20 photos - 8 species
Introduction
There are about 35 species in 10 genera.
Tufted bass are also called coral guardians.
The name coral guards comes from the fact that the animals are often seen lying on corals.
The name tufted bass is explained by the fact that some species have tuft-like projections on the spines of the dorsal fin.
Most grow no larger than 10 cm, although some species can grow to over 20 cm long.
Amblycirrhitus pinos
Redspotted hawkfish
Maximum length: 10 cm
Depth: 4 - 25 m
The head, upper body and dorsal fin have red spots.
There are small tufts at the tips of its dorsal fin rays.
Otherwise white body with brown bands and white fins.
Very shy, always darts to another seat when approached.
Only tufted bass representative in the Atlantic.
Photo 1 Astrid: Bonaire Caribbean
Photos 2 - 3 Johnny: Bonaire Caribbean
Cirrhitichthys aprinus
Spotted hawkfish, Blotched hawkfish, Redbarred hawkfish,
Boar hawkfish or Threadfin hawkfish
Maximum length: 12 cm
Depth: 5 - 40 m
Aggressive towards other fish that invade its territory.
Often "stands" with its pectoral fins on higher corals.
Photo 1 Johnny: Bangka Island North Sulawesi
Cirrhitichthys falco
Dwarf hawkfish
Maximum length: 7 cm
Depth: 3 - 46 m
In reefs with rich and medium coral growth, often on outer reefs,
but also in sheltered bays.
Perches on a wide variety of vegetation on hard floors,
at the base of small coral or rock formations,
and also on small patches of sand in front of them.
Photo 1 Johnny: Lembeh Strait North Sulawesi
Photo 2 Johnny: Moalboal Philippines
Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus
Coral hawkfish, Pixy hawkfish or Sharp-headed hawkfish
Maximum length: 9 cm
Depth: 1 - 40 m
White body with reddish-brown spots.
Perches on various corals and coral rocks.
Little shy.
Photos 1 - 2 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Cirrhitus pinnulatus
Stocky hawkfish, Whitespotted hawkfisch or Marbled hawkfish
Maximum length: 30 cm
Depth: 0.3 - 6 m
Dark spots and bright white spots.
Inhabits shallow, algae-covered rocky reefs, outer reef roofs and reef edges with surf and current.
Very shy.
Photo 1 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Photo 2 Johnny: El Quesir Egypt
Oxycirrhites typus
Longnose hawkfish
Maximum length: 13 cm
Depth: 20 - 70 m
Long snout and distinctive tartan pattern.
They are usually only found from a depth of 20 m in black corals and fan gorgonians.
Photo 1 Astrid: Hurghada Egypt
Photos 2 - 3 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Paracirrhites arcatus
Arc-eye hawkfish, Ringeye hawkfish, Horsehoe hawkfish or
Whiteline hawkfish
Maximum length: 10 cm
Depth: 1 - 35 m
It has an arcuate, blue-red-orange line behind the eye
and usually a wide white longitudinal stripe on the back of the body.
Little shy, likes to pose for longer while taking photos.
Photo 1 Johnny: Bangka Island North Sulawesi
Photo 2 Johnny: Embudu Maldives
Paracirrhites forsteri
Black-side hawkfish, Freckled hawkfish or Forster's Hawkfish
Maximum length: 22 cm
Depth: 5 - 40 m
Color variable, black or red spots on the head.
Most common coral guardian in the Red Sea.
Photo 1 Johnny: El Quesir Egypt
Photos 2 - 3 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Photos 4 - 5 Astrid: Hurghada Egypt