Hawkfishes
Pixy hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus)
The Pixy hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus) belongs to the family Cirrhitidae (hawkfishes) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen alone. It reaches about 8 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus |
|---|---|
| Family | Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae) |
| Common name (IT) | Pesce falco a macchie |
| Common name (EN) | Pixy hawkfish |
| Maximum size | 8 cm |
| Depth | 1–50 m |
| Distribution | Red Sea and Indo-Pacific |
| IUCN status | LC — Least Concern |
Description
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Where it lives
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
- Red Sea
- Indo-Pacific
Frequently asked questions
- What family does the Pixy hawkfish belong to?
- The Pixy hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus) belongs to the family Cirrhitidae (hawkfishes).
- Is the Pixy hawkfish dangerous?
- It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
- Is the Pixy hawkfish endemic to the Red Sea?
- No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
- How big does the Pixy hawkfish get?
- It reaches a maximum length of about 8 cm.