Hawkfishes
Hawkfishes are colourful reef fishes belonging to the family Cirrhitidae. They occur throughout the tropical Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, where they inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates. They are recognised by the tuft-like cirri on the tips of their dorsal fin spines and thickened lower pectoral-fin rays used for perching on corals and rocks.
Unlike many reef fishes, hawkfishes lack a swim bladder, allowing them to maintain position without swimming continuously. They spend much of their time perched motionless on corals or rocks, using their thickened lower pectoral-fin rays for support. From these elevated perches they watch for passing prey before making rapid, short-distance attacks. Their diet consists mainly of small crustaceans, shrimps, crabs, fish larvae and other small reef fishes.
Most hawkfishes are haremic, with one dominant male occupying a territory containing several females. Many species are protogynous hermaphrodites, with dominant females capable of changing sex to replace a missing male. They are pelagic spawners, releasing buoyant eggs into the water column during courtship.
The family comprises about 38 recognised species placed in 10 genera, with most species occurring in the Indo-Pacific region.
Unlike many reef fishes, hawkfishes lack a swim bladder, allowing them to maintain position without swimming continuously. They spend much of their time perched motionless on corals or rocks, using their thickened lower pectoral-fin rays for support. From these elevated perches they watch for passing prey before making rapid, short-distance attacks. Their diet consists mainly of small crustaceans, shrimps, crabs, fish larvae and other small reef fishes.
Most hawkfishes are haremic, with one dominant male occupying a territory containing several females. Many species are protogynous hermaphrodites, with dominant females capable of changing sex to replace a missing male. They are pelagic spawners, releasing buoyant eggs into the water column during courtship.
The family comprises about 38 recognised species placed in 10 genera, with most species occurring in the Indo-Pacific region.
Scientific Name: Cirrhitichthys falco Randall, 1963
English Name: Dwarf Hawkfish, Coral Hawkfish, Falcon Hawkfish
Chinese Name | 鱼类中文名: 鹰金䱵 (Yīng jīn wēng), 真丝金䱵 (Zhēnsī jīn wēng)
Japanese Name | 和名: サラサゴンベ (Sarasa-gonbe)
Malay Name | Nama Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Helang, Helang Serama
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาเหยี่ยวแคระ (Plā h̄eyī̀yw khæra)
Main Identification Features: Small hawkfish with numerous short cirri on each dorsal fin spine. Body cream to white with numerous reddish-brown spots forming broken bars. Two reddish-brown bands extend forward from the eye and another runs along the snout.
Size: Maximum total length 7 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Occurs on shallow coral reefs, outer reef flats and reef slopes from about 4–46 m depth. Usually observed perched on branching corals, where it waits for passing prey. A haremic species. Feeds mainly on small crustaceans, fish larvae and other benthic invertebrates.
Remarks: Popular in the marine aquarium trade because of its attractive coloration, hardy nature and relatively peaceful temperament.
English Name: Dwarf Hawkfish, Coral Hawkfish, Falcon Hawkfish
Chinese Name | 鱼类中文名: 鹰金䱵 (Yīng jīn wēng), 真丝金䱵 (Zhēnsī jīn wēng)
Japanese Name | 和名: サラサゴンベ (Sarasa-gonbe)
Malay Name | Nama Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Helang, Helang Serama
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาเหยี่ยวแคระ (Plā h̄eyī̀yw khæra)
Main Identification Features: Small hawkfish with numerous short cirri on each dorsal fin spine. Body cream to white with numerous reddish-brown spots forming broken bars. Two reddish-brown bands extend forward from the eye and another runs along the snout.
Size: Maximum total length 7 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Occurs on shallow coral reefs, outer reef flats and reef slopes from about 4–46 m depth. Usually observed perched on branching corals, where it waits for passing prey. A haremic species. Feeds mainly on small crustaceans, fish larvae and other benthic invertebrates.
Remarks: Popular in the marine aquarium trade because of its attractive coloration, hardy nature and relatively peaceful temperament.
