Hawkfish Family Photographs, and Information – Cirrhitidae

The Hawkfish Family – Cirrhitidae

There are currently TWO members of the Hawkfish or Cirrhitidae Family, both from the Pacific Ocean, presented in this website:

FROM THE PACIFIC (2):

Coral Hawkfish
Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus

Gaint Hawkfish, Cirrhitus rivulatus, a representative member of the Hawkfish Family.Giant Hawkfish, Cirrhitus rivulatus

The fish of the Hawkfish or Cirrhitidae Family are known collectively in Mexico as halcónes. Globally there are thirty-eight family members that have been placed in ten genera, of which four species are found in Mexican waters, one in the Atlantic and three in the Pacific Ocean.

The Hawkfish are relatively small fish being up to 30 cm (12 inches) in total length; however, most are much smaller. They have moderately compressed oval bodies that vary in depth from 21% to 50% of standard length. Their head has a short snout with a large mouth equipped with a row of small canines. There are cirri on the rear edge of their front nostril and the tips of their dorsal fin spines. Their gill covers have 2 indistinct spines. Their anal fin has 3 spines and 5 to 7 rays; their caudal fin has a straight edge; their dorsal fin has 10 spines and 11 to 17 rays, their pectoral fins have 14 rays of which 5 to 7 are stout and are utilized for perching on the ocean floor; and, their pelvic fins have 1 spine and 5 rays and originate behind the pectoral fin base. Their bodies are covered with smooth scales.

Hawkfish are colorful fish that vary significantly by species. They are found within coral reefs and rocky substrate with the majority being found in shallow waters. They are largely sedentary, remaining motionless on the bottom for long intervals, periodically swimming to a new vantage point on the reef surface. They have the ability to wedge themselves into rocky structures in areas of surge. Hawkfish are carnivorous feeding primarily on small fish and a wide variety of crabs, crustaceans and shrimps. Some of the larger species are utilized by certain cultures for food. Many Hawkfish are valued as aquarium fish. The Hawkfish are poorly studied with very limited information available about their lifestyle and behavioral patterns including specific details on age, growth, longevity, movement patterns, diet, habitat use, and reproduction.