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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Coral Hawkfish

Synonyms and Other Names: pixy hawkfish

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus is a small species of hawkfish characterized by numerous short filaments (cirri) at the tip of its 10 dorsal spines with thickened and elongate pectoral fin rays that allow it to perch on coral branches (Myers 1999). The body is whitish with large close-set red to dark brown spots. The head, dorsal fin, and caudal fin are densely spotted (Randall 2005).

Size: This species reaches 8.5 cm total length (Randall 2005).

Native Range: Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus has a broad native range from the Red Sea and the east coast of Africa to the Marquesas Islands and the Islands of Micronesia; southern Japan to the Great Barrier Reef and New South Wales; and in the eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California to Colombia and the Galapagos Islands (Randall 2005).

Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus inhabit coral reefs in clear water lagoons, channels, and seaward reefs to depths of at least 40 m (Myers 1999). This species prefers Pocillopora (stony coral) colonies and reef pavement habitats but shows more versatility in habitat preference than other species of hawkfish following losses to coral colonies (Coker et al. 2015). The common name is derived from their habit of perching on the outermost branches of coral colonies or other structures which offer them protection against predators and a strategic point for hunting prey (Myers 1999). Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus is a carnivorous mesopredator that feeds primarily on small benthic crustaceans and fishes though sometimes feeds in the water column (Palacios-Narvaez et al. 2020). This hawkfish species is most likely a protogynous hermaphrodite, starting life female and changing into a male (Myers 1999). The males are territorial and defend a small group of females (Myers 1999). Courtship and spawning occur at dusk during the warmer months of the year (Myers 1999).

Means of Introduction: Possible hitchhiker, recorded from a dry dock at Pearl Harbor, Oahu that had been transported from Guam (Mundy 2005).

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

References: (click for full references)

Coker, D.J., A.S. Hoey, S.K. Wilson, M. Depczyuski, N.A.J. Graham, J-P.A. Hobbs, T.H. Holmes, and M.S. Pratchett. 2015. Habitat selectivity and reliance on live corals for Indo-Pacific hawkfishes (Family: Cirrhitidae). PLoS ONE 10(11): e0138136. 

Mundy, B. C.  2005. Checklist of Fishes of the Hawaiian Archipelago. Bishop Museum Bulletins in Zoology, Number 6.

Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian reef fishes: A field guide for divers and aquarists. Coral Graphics, Guam.

Palacios-Narvaez, S., B. Valencia, and A. Giraldo. 2020. Diet of the coral hawkfish Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus (Family: Cirrhitidae) in a fringing coral reef of the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Coral Reefs 39:1503-1509.

Randall, J.E. 2005. Reef and shore fishes of the South Pacific. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

Other Resources:

Author: Brown, ME

Peer Review Date: 1/1/1900

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.