Cirrhitichthys aprinus (Cuvier, 1829)
Spotted hawkfish
Cirrhitichthys aprinus
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
Country info:  Recorded from Inhaca I. Outside distributional range, occurrence needs verification. Also Ref. 5285.


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