| Family: |
Cirrhitidae (Hawkfishes) |
| Max. size: |
12.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; brackish; marine; depth range 5 - 40 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: Maldives (Ref. 30829). Western Pacific. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 6-6. Resemble C. oxycephalus but lacks spots on the tail and has a conspicuous opercular ocellus (Ref. 37816).
Description: Characterized by white color with irregular red to brown bars and blotches; upper rear corner of gill cover with pale-edged dark brown spot; lower six pectoral rays unbranched; presence of palatine teeth; coarsely serrate posterior margin of preopercle; greatest depth of body 2.4-2.7 in SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
A common species found in rocky and coral areas of subtidal coastal reefs (Ref. 9710). Enters shallow harbors and estuaries (Ref. 48636). Solitary or in small groups (Ref 90102). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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