Stocky Hawkfish

Cirrhitus pinnulatus, known as the Stocky Hawkfish, Whitespotted Hawkfish, or Marbled Hawkfish, has a body approximately three times as long as it is deep. It reaches a maximum length of 30 cm (12 in), with a typical size of 23 cm (9.1 in). The specific epithet "pinnulatus" refers to a fringe of cirri present on the posterior margin of the anterior nostril. The head features a short, blunt snout, a large mouth extending to the rear edge of the eye, and a low bony ridge above the eye; the upper preopercle margin displays fine serrations. The mouth contains an outer row of canines and an inner row of villiform teeth, with additional teeth on its roof. Its coloration is primarily brown, marked with white blotches and irregular reddish-brown spots; the head displays sinuous reddish-orange lines and spots. A distinctive dark, saddle-like blotch marks the upper part of the caudal peduncle. The continuous dorsal fin contains 10 spines, each with cirri tassels near its tip, and 11 soft rays, with a distinct separation between the spiny and soft-rayed sections. The anal fin has 3 spines and 6 soft rays, and the caudal fin is gently rounded. Its pectoral fins, which do not reach as far as the pelvic fin tips, consist of 14 rays, with the lower seven being unbranched and robust.

This species inhabits exposed areas, including the surge zone on the seaward sides of reefs and along rocky coastlines. It typically occurs at depths of less than 15 meters (49 ft), though its range extends from 1 to 23 meters (3 to 75 ft). The Stocky Hawkfish is a nocturnal predator, primarily consuming crabs, other crustaceans, small fishes, sea urchins, and brittle stars. It typically perches motionlessly on corals or rocks, waiting for prey to pass.

Cirrhitus pinnulatus employs a pelagic spawning strategy, with pairs ascending into the water column to release their gametes. Preliminary studies suggest the species may be protogynous hermaphrodites.