White fish with orange markings in a rectangular grid, a long pointed snout, and spiny dorsal fin.

Longnose hawkfish

Oxycirrhites typus
Where at Shedd?
Wonder of Water Wild Reef
Diet Shrimp, crabs and other crustaceans
Size Length: Up to 5 inches (13 cm)
Type Fishes
Range Steep outer reef slopes with strong current in the Indian and Central Pacific Oceans
Habitat Persian Gulf, Red and Arabian Seas, Indian and central Pacific Oceans on steep outer reef slopes exposed to strong currents

Did you know?

  1. You may see this fish sitting completely still. In the wild, a hawkfish perches on a coral or other reef structure, patiently waiting for a meal to swim by.
  2. In one swift bird-like motion, the hawkfish swoops down, attacking the prey before it can react.
  3. Most adult hawkfish lack a swim bladder. Without this balloon-like device, hawkfish sink, allowing them to remain completely still while perched.

IUCN Red List Conservation Status