Nature Field Guide
Coral Hawkfish
- Spanish name
- Halcón de coral
- Scientific name
- Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “It looks like it is keeping watch!”
Tati: “Let’s find the blotches and tiny tufts on its dorsal spines.”
Species overview
About the Coral Hawkfish
A pale pink or whitish background is broken by darker red-brown patches. The pointed snout, sturdy pectoral rays and small tufts on dorsal spines help identify it.
Its fin structure suits life close to reef surfaces. Look carefully at a reference photograph rather than assuming every small blotched reef fish is the same species.
Identification
Key Features of the Coral Hawkfish
Red-brown blotches on pale body
Pointed snout
Tufts on dorsal spine tips
Habitat & range
Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.
Local observations
Recorded at Cabo Blanco.
When to observe
Visibility depends on water clarity, currents, depth and conditions. No fixed local viewing or migration season is assigned.
Conservation & care
Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.
Threats & pressures
Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.
Observation activity
Find the little tufts on the dorsal spines in a close photograph. Draw an enlarged detail.
Explore by location
Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands · South Pacific · Ocean & Coastal Life