Hawkfish

Cirrhitidae

Small, colourful perchers that sit on coral heads using their pectoral fins like hands. They barely move, making them perfect for macro shots — look for them on top of fan corals and sponges in tropical waters.

Last updated April 2026

Freckled hawkfishParacirrhites forsteri4 photos

Least ConcernUp to 22 cm5–35mCoral reef

A small, plump fish perched on coral branches with its pectoral fins, covered in red-brown freckles on a pale background. Hawkfish sit and watch.

Sits motionless atop coral heads scanning for prey — easy to approach and photograph as it relies on camouflage rather than flight.

Freckled hawkfish, Giant sea fan, Longnose Hawkfish

Observed at

Small Crack(Sharm El Sheikh)Gorgonian Garden(Hurghada)

Longnose hawkfishOxycirrhites typus2 photos

Observed at

Gorgonian Garden(Hurghada)

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