Hawkfish is a brightly colored coral reef fish. There are more than 30 species (kinds) of hawkfish. They live in shallow coastal waters in tropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. Hawkfish commonly perch among reefs waiting for their next meal. When a small fish or invertebrate (animal without a backbone) swims by, the hawkfish strikes, devouring its prey. Hawkfish are also popular aquarium fish.
A hawkfish has prominent, often brightly colored patterns on its body. It has a dorsal (back) fin with 10 spines. Some of these spines may have small, tassellike tufts at their tips. Unlike most bony fish, hawkfish do not have a swim bladder. A swim bladder is a sac that holds air, helping the fish float.
Hawkfish vary in size. One species of hawkfish, the longnose hawkfish, can grow to about 5 inches (13 centimeters) long. This type of hawkfish is slender with a red and white grid pattern on its body. It is known for its long snout.
Some species of hawkfish live in groups of one male and several females. Longnose hawkfish live in pairs. A female longnose hawkfish lays her eggs, which are fertilized outside the body by the male and float freely through the water. The eggs hatch after about 15 hours. A hawkfish can change its sex if the population of females or males in its social group is too low. Often, a female will become male when the dominant male is removed from a group.
