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Cirrhitichthys aprinus (Cuvier, 1829) Spotted hawkfish |
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photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| 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 | |||