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Bicolor hawkfish (Paracirrhites bicolor) — Cirrhitidae

Bicolor hawkfish

Paracirrhites bicolor
Family: Cirrhitidae

The Bicolor hawkfish (Paracirrhites bicolor) is a saltwater fish of the family Cirrhitidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–30.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The bicolor hawkfish is a hawkfish (Cirrhitidae) from reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a stocky body that is distinctly two-toned: the front dark, the rear paler. With thickened, undivided lower pectoral rays it perches motionless on coral heads and rock as if on legs; from that lookout it darts out at small crustaceans and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bicolor hawkfish?

The Bicolor hawkfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Bicolor hawkfish live?

The Bicolor hawkfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Bicolor hawkfish get?

The Bicolor hawkfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Bicolor hawkfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bicolor hawkfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Tweekleur-koraalwachter sourced
English name
Bicolor hawkfish sourced
Scientific name
Paracirrhites bicolor
Family
Cirrhitidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Paracirrhites

More from the family Cirrhitidae

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