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The Red Spotted Hawkfish (Amblycirrhitus pinos) is a small, benthic marine fish belonging to the family Cirrhitidae. It is characterized by its distinctive coloration and habit of perching on corals and rocks. This species is a popular choice for reef aquariums due to its relatively small size, interesting behavior, and attractive appearance. It is a carnivorous species, primarily feeding on small invertebrates.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- The body is predominantly white to pale cream, covered with numerous distinct, bright red to reddish-brown spots. These spots extend onto the fins. The head often has a reticulated pattern of red lines or spots.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Prominent red spots covering the entire body and fins., Fringe of cirri (small fleshy filaments) on the posterior margin of the anterior dorsal fin spines., Thickened, unbranched lower pectoral fin rays.
- Dorsal fin
- Single dorsal fin with 10 spines and 11-12 soft rays. The anterior spines have cirri.
- Tail fin
- Truncate to slightly rounded caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- 14 pectoral fin rays, with the lower 7 rays unbranched and thickened, used for perching.
- Distinctive fins
- The presence of cirri on the dorsal fin spines and the thickened, unbranched lower pectoral fin rays are characteristic of hawkfish.
Identification Tips
Coloration
Look for the distinctive white to cream body covered in bright red to reddish-brown spots. This is the most defining characteristic.
Dorsal Fin Cirri
Observe the small, fleshy filaments (cirri) on the tips of the dorsal fin spines, a common feature in hawkfish.
Pectoral Fins
Note the thickened, unbranched lower pectoral fin rays, which the fish uses to prop itself up on substrates.
Behavior
Its characteristic perching behavior on corals and rocks is a strong indicator.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow to moderate depths, from 1 to 30 meters (3 to 100 feet).
- Environment
- Associated with coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and rubble zones. They are often found perched on gorgonians, sponges, or stony corals, waiting for prey.
- Geographic range
- Western Atlantic Ocean, including Bermuda, Florida, the Bahamas, and throughout the Caribbean Sea to the northern coast of South America.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Generally compatible with other non-aggressive fish that are too large to be considered prey. May be aggressive towards smaller, docile fish or other hawkfish. Not reef safe with very small ornamental shrimp or crabs.
- Special requirements: Requires plenty of live rock for perching and hiding. A tight-fitting lid is essential as they are known jumpers. Provide a varied diet of meaty foods.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Not applicable; found year-round within its range.
- Market price: Varies, typically moderate for the aquarium trade.
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Not typically consumed due to small size.
- Texture: Not typically consumed due to small size.
- Nutritional value: Not typically consumed due to small size.
Key Facts
Perching Predatorbehavior
Red Spotted Hawkfish are ambush predators that spend much of their time perched on corals or rocks, waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by.
Cirri Functioninteresting
The small, fleshy filaments (cirri) on their dorsal fin spines are thought to aid in camouflage, helping them blend into their coral surroundings.
Pectoral 'Fingers'amazing
Their thickened, unbranched lower pectoral fin rays act like 'fingers,' allowing them to prop themselves up and maintain position in strong currents without expending much energy.
Protogynous Hermaphroditesevolution
Like many hawkfish, Amblycirrhitus pinos are believed to be protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start as females and can change sex to male later in life.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: not recommended
- Handling notes: Hawkfish are not venomous, but their dorsal fin spines can be sharp. Handle with care to avoid accidental punctures. They are generally docile towards humans but can deliver a nip if threatened or handled carelessly. They are known jumpers, so secure tank lids are crucial for aquarists.
Similar Species
Spotted Hawkfish
Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus
While also spotted, Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus typically has a more elongated body, a more pointed snout, and its spots are often smaller and more numerous, sometimes forming lines on the head. The overall body color can also be more variable, ranging from white to reddish-brown, but the spots are generally darker and less uniformly red than A. pinos. The cirri on the dorsal spines are also present but may differ in prominence.
Longnose Hawkfish
Oxycirrhites typus
Easily distinguished by its extremely elongated snout and a distinctive red and white checkerboard pattern, rather than spots. It also has a more slender body shape.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Cirrhitidae
- Genus
- Amblycirrhitus
- Species
- pinos
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