dwarf hawfish (photo 15A)


This colorful dwarf hawkfish (also known as Falco's hawkfish, in this case about 2 inches in length) is perched on an outcrop of coral, observing the reef for prey. Hawkfish seem to follow divers around, darting from perch to perch, keeping their distance just out of reach. When an opportunity arises, such as an overturned piece of rock debris, the hawkfish quickly darts forward to look over the disturbed area for a quick meal.

Identification: Cirrhitichthys falco

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