---
title: Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae)
scientific_name: Cirrhitidae
common_name: Hawkfishes
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T21:26:53.116Z
tags: Hawkfishes, Cirrhitidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/hawkfishes
---

# Hawkfishes (*Cirrhitidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Cirrhitidae
- **Body shape:** Bottom-dwelling - Stocky, big-headed, sits on the reef or sand rather than swims - scorpionfishes, groupers, gobies.
- **Species listed here:** 4

## How to recognise this group

- compact body with large head
- large eyes set high on head
- thick, separated lower pectoral fin rays
- perched motionless on corals or rocks
- mottled, barred, or spotted camouflage pattern

Hawkfishes (family Cirrhitidae) are small to medium-sized fishes, with species typically reaching up to 15 cm (6 in). They have a compact, robust body, a large head, and eyes positioned high on the head. A single dorsal fin runs along the back, and the pectoral fins are often elongated, featuring thickened, unbranched lower rays. These specialized rays allow them to perch firmly on corals and rocks, resembling a hawk awaiting prey, which is the origin of their common name. Many species also possess small fleshy cirri on their anterior nostrils or on the tips of their dorsal fin spines. Their colouration varies widely, often mottled, barred, or spotted, providing effective camouflage; some species can rapidly adjust these patterns to blend with their surroundings.

These fishes inhabit coral reefs and rocky slopes, from the shallows down to 30 m (100 ft). They are typically found settled on branching corals, gorgonians, or stony corals, using their perching ability to maintain position in currents. Hawkfishes are sit-and-wait predators, feeding primarily on small crustaceans and other invertebrates, and occasionally on small fish. They aggressively defend their territories, often from a favoured perch, using head shakes and fin flaring displays to deter intruders. These are a common sight on Red Sea reefs.


## Species (4)

- [Blackside Hawkfish (Paracirrhites forsteri)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/hawkfishes/blackside-hawkfish)
- [Longnose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/hawkfishes/longnose-hawkfish)
- [Pixie Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/hawkfishes/pixie-hawkfish)
- [Stocky Hawkfish (Cirrhitus pinnulatus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/hawkfishes/stocky-hawkfish)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/hawkfishes)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*