Arc-eye hawkfish, Paracirrhites arcatus [69k]

This ring-eyed hawkfish (family Cirrhitidae) is about two inches (5 cm) in length. As with other hawkfish, such as the Falco's hawkfish also featured in Gallery II, it has a voyeuristic nature, seeming intensely interested in spying on me, yet cautiously maintaining a respectable distance.  Lacking a swim bladder, they spend most of their time perched on corals, watching for prey, interrupted by an occasional sudden dash to another nearby vantage point. Hawkfish are opportunistic carnivores, feeding mostly on small fishes or crustaceans. There are 35 known species.

Identification: Paracirrhites arcatus

more info: query FishBase

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