Hawkfish

Hawkfish

Description of the Hawkfish
The Hawkfish is also known as the Ringeye, Arc Eye, Whiteline or Horseshoe Hawkfish. There are several color variations of Hawkfish but they can be recognised by a distinctive ring around and behind the eye, giving it the name 'Arc Eye'.

Profile of the Hawkfish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Hawkfish species.

• Size: Up to 20cm 

• Fish Tank conditions: Temp 25 to 27 Degrees. Ph 8.0 to 8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Fresh, Dried or Frozen Food particularly shrimp

• Temperament: Aggressive, predatory will attack other fish

• Habitat: Reef dwellers in depths of up to 30m

• Behaviour: A single species is recommended unless you introduce a breeding pair

• Range: Indo-Pacific Ocean
   

Scientific Classification of the Hawkfish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Paracirrhites arcatus 

• Popular Name: Hawkfish - Ringeyed Hawkfish - Arc Eye Hawkfish - Whiteline Hawkfish - Horseshoe Hawkfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Cirrhitidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Hawkfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Hawkfish slimy?
Hawkfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Hawkfish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Hawkfish have gills?
Gills enable the Hawkfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Hawkfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Hawkfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Hawkfish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Hawkfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Hawkfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Hawkfish