TAXONOMY
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-likes)
Family: Cirrhitidae (Hawkfishes)
Genus/species: Neocirrhites armatus
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Hawkfishes are bottom feeders without swim bladders usually found in coral branches. Cirri at the tips of their dorsal fins identifies them.
The Flame hawkfish has brilliant red color with a black stripe that runs along the base of their dorsal fin, as well as black circles around their eyes.
Length up to 9 cm (3.5 in)
DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Found in the Pacific Ocean: Great Barrier reef to Micronesia on corals.
DIET IN THE WILD: Small crustaceans
REPRODUCTION: Oviparous, monogamous
CONSERVATION: IUCN Not Evaluated
References
Ron’s flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/cas_docents/32538479733/in/album-72157629304397467/
California Academy of Sciences Steinhart Aquarium Animal Attractions 2017
fishbase fishbase.org/summary/5832
EOL eol.org/pages/204618/details
reef keeping www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-06/hcs3/
Ron’s WordPress Shortlink http://wp.me/p1DZ4b-1QC