Hawkfishes

Longnose hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus)

The Longnose hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) 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 in pairs. It reaches about 11 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Longnose hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus), a Red Sea fish of the hawkfishes family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameOxycirrhites typus
FamilyHawkfishes (Cirrhitidae)
Common name (IT)Pesce falco a treccia
Common name (EN)Longnose hawkfish
Maximum size11 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — 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 Longnose hawkfish belong to?
The Longnose hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) belongs to the family Cirrhitidae (hawkfishes).
Is the Longnose hawkfish dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Longnose 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 Longnose hawkfish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 11 cm.

Explore the Longnose hawkfish in 3D in the interactive atlas →