In Greek mythology, Cercaphus was one of the Heliadae, sons of Helios and Rhodus. One of his brothers, Tenages, was murdered by four others: Actis, Macar, Candalus and Triopas. The final two Heliadae, Ochimus and Cercaphus, stayed on the island of Rhodes.

Ochimus seized control over the island. He married Hegetoria and they had a daughter, Cydippe, who married Cercaphus, who then inherited the island.

According to an alternate version, Ochimus engaged Cydippe to Ocridion but Cercaphus loved her and kidnapped her. He didn't return until Ochimus was old.