Paracirrhites xanthus

Randall, 1963

Yellow Hawkfish

Range: Western Central Pacific Ocean: Polynesia, Tuamotu, and the Caroline Islands.

Size: 5 inches (12 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits exposed outer reef fronts and slopes and is usually found at depths between 3 – 30 feet (1 – 10 m) where it feeds on small fishes and crustaceans.

General Husbandry: Quite attractive having a bright yellow body and head, yet not yet purposely collected for the U.S.trade, probably due to its small isolated collection areas, however occassionaly shows up in the Japanese aquarium trade at very high prices. Is said to often lose its bright coloring in captivity.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Percoidei

Family: Cirrhitidae

Genus: Paracirrhites

FYI: Shown here for identification only.