Coral Hawkfish

Family: Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae)
Size: Up to 10 cm (4 in)
Depth: 3 – 40m (10 – 130ft)
Distribution: Tropical Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific Ocean.

Identification:
The “ninjas” of the reef. The Coral Hawkfish is small but vibrant.

• Coloration: Its body varies from pale gray to pink, covered in bright red spots. It can be distinguished from the similar Spotted Hawkfish by these vibrant red markings and the small brown spots on its forehead.
• Features: It has specialized fins with “tassels” (cirri) on the tips, which allow it to perch securely on coral branches while waiting for prey.

Behavior:
A patient ambush predator.

• Perching: They wait patiently perched on rocks or coral heads, ready to pounce rapidly on passing crustaceans or small fish. Their speed and agility allow them to dart away from predators through the coral branches.
• Reproduction: They are hermaphroditic and live in “harems,” where one male dominates a group of several females. If the male dies, the dominant female will change sex to become the new male.