Freckled Hawkfish
Paracirrhites forsteri
This species is characterised by its distinctive colour pattern, a broad yellow or white stripe along the back and abruptly reddish-brown below this to the midline, white to yellow ventrally. A freckling of red spots on the head.
Morphology
Possesses an oblong body that tapers towards the tail, a single dorsal fin, and large mouth with prominent lips. Reaches a maximum length of 20 cm.
Evolution
Hawkfishes belong to the family Cirrhitidae, a small group containing 33 currently recognised species in 12 genera.
Behaviour
Hawkfishes are benthic species that are frequently seen perching on living corals. Their pectoral fins are specially adapated for this purpose. They consume invertebrates and small fishes.
Method of reproduction
Sexual; a protogynous hermaphrodite with fish being born female and changing to male later in life. Spawns in pairs, releasing pelagic eggs.
Habitat
Marine
Coral reefs in 1-35 m depth.
Distribution
Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region from eastern Africa and the Red Sea to islands of the central Pacific.
Life Cycle
Oviparous
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Cirrhitidae |
| Genus: | Paracirrhites |
| Species: | forsteri |
| Name Published Year: | 1801 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Bloch & Schneider |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Paracirrhites-forsteri
Accessed 29 May 2025
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