The halfspotted grouper (Cephalopholis hemistiktos) is a small grouper found on reefs in the Red Sea and the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. Its yellowish-brown to reddish body is covered with small blue spots, mainly concentrated on the lower part of the body and on the head, which helps distinguish it from several closely related species.

This territorial species generally lives alone or in pairs and mainly feeds on small fish and crustaceans.

The halfspotted grouper has a robust body that is slightly compressed from side to side, a large head, and a wide mouth. Its coloration ranges from yellowish brown to light red or dark brown. It has numerous small blue spots surrounded by a thin dark border on the head and lower part of the body, while the upper part of the body is almost devoid of them. Its rounded caudal fin is also covered with blue spots and edged with a bright blue margin.

Coloration can vary from one individual to another. Some have a large yellowish area toward the rear of the body, while others display several faint dark bands. The halfspotted grouper averages around 9 inches in length, but the largest individuals can reach up to 14 inches in total length.

The halfspotted grouper inhabits the tropical waters of the northwestern Indian Ocean, from the northern end of the Red Sea, particularly the Gulf of Aqaba and Gulf of Suez, to the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea, along the coasts of Djibouti, Somalia, and Oman. It is also found in the Persian Gulf and extends eastward to the coast of Pakistan.

It is found in particular in the Red Sea, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, the waters of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as the Persian Gulf.

The halfspotted grouper lives on coral reefs and rocky seafloors, where it inhabits areas combining corals with open spaces. It is generally found between 49 and 66 feet deep, but can be observed down to depths of around 180 feet.

The halfspotted grouper is sedentary and generally remains within the same area of the reef, which it defends against other fish. Adults often live in pairs, although some individuals may be observed alone.

The halfspotted grouper mainly feeds during the day, mostly on small fish, which account for about two-thirds of its diet, as well as crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs.

It hunts near the reef and captures prey that comes within reach.

The halfspotted grouper displays an unusual reproductive behavior among groupers: it is monogamous, meaning that a male and female form a pair that remains together. The two partners defend their territory together rather than living in a harem like some other species of the same genus.

The halfspotted grouper is monogamous. It lives as a pair, with a male and female defending the same territory together. This lifestyle differs from that of some closely related species, which live in groups consisting of one male and several females.

The halfspotted grouper can easily be distinguished from the coral hind (Cephalopholis miniata) when observed up close: its blue spots are mainly concentrated on the head and lower part of the body, whereas those of the coral grouper are found across the entire body and fins. This difference is particularly useful for distinguishing the two species in the Red Sea.