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Cirrhitichthys aureus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1842) Yellow hawkfish |
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photo by
Eric Keung@114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey |
| Family: | Cirrhitidae (Hawkfishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 14 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 20 m | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-West Pacific: India east to Sagami Bay, Japan and China. A new record was reported from southern Indonesia (Ref. 5978). | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal spines (total): 10-10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 6-6. Distinguished from C. aprinus by the bright yellow coloration when viewed underwater (Ref. 48636). Description: Characterized by yellow to orange color; large, faint, dusky brown blotches/saddles along back; pair of diffuse brown spots just above operculum; yellowish fins; spotting on soft dorsal; presence of palatine teeth; coarsely serrate posterior margin of preopercle; greatest depth of body 2.2-2.5 in SL (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Occurs on rocky cliffs in deep water (Ref. 9710). Also inhabits muddy substrates in protected bays where wave action has no influence (Ref. 48636). Solitary (Ref 90102). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 18 August 2023 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||