How big is the Giant hawkfish?

Giant hawkfish (Cirrhitus rivulatus) reaches 20–51 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Giant hawkfish?

Giant hawkfish is found between 3–30 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Giant hawkfish?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Giant hawkfish?

Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Giant hawkfish (Cirrhitus rivulatus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Cirrhitus rivulatus
Common name: Giant hawkfish
Category: Fish
Family: Cirrhitidae
Genus: Cirrhitus
Size: 20–51 cm
Depth: 3–30 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: rocky-reef
Behaviours: solitary, cryptic
Ocean zones: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific

Description

Cirrhitus rivulatus reaches 51 cm, largest hawkfish (Cirrhitidae) worldwide. Eastern Pacific endemic (Gulf of California to Peru, Galapagos). Compact white-beige body covered with reticulations and wavy dark patterns (hence rivulatus, sinuous banks), fins tinged with yellow-orange. Characteristic hawkfish behavior: no swim bladder, rests motionless on rocks or gorgonians, pounces on prey. Predator of small fish and crustaceans. Lives from 3 to 30 m on rocky reefs. Iconic macro and wide-angle photo subject of Eastern Pacific.

Photo of Giant hawkfish

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Giant hawkfish?: Giant hawkfish (Cirrhitus rivulatus) reaches 20–51 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Giant hawkfish?: Giant hawkfish is found between 3–30 m deep.
Is the Giant hawkfish dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Giant hawkfish?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Giant hawkfish?: Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the family Cirrhitidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 279160)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2375087)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia