Latin name

Paracirrhites forsteri

Other name

Freckled hawkfish, Forster's hawkfish.

Identification

The blackside hawkfish was first officially described as Grammistes forsteri in 1801 by the French naturalist Johann Gottlob Theaenus Schneider, and the type locality is listed as Waitahu on the island of Tahuata in the Marquesas Islands. The species name is in honor of the Polish-born German naturalist Johann Reinhold Forster, who was a naturalist aboard James Cook's second voyage on HMS Resolution and described the species as "Perca taeniatus" in an unpublished manuscript.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin has ten spines and eleven soft rays, while the anal fin has three spines and six soft rays. 

Fish colouring

Coloration varies considerably both in adults and as a result of changes during growth. The ground coloration is usually yellowish, but there is a broad black or dark brown lateral stripe, usually on the back half of the body. The sides of the head and the front of the body are whitish or gray with red spots. In Asia, juveniles may be reddish on the back, while in Oceania they tend to be golden-green on the top and white on the underside. The burgundy yellow phase was originally described as a separate species, P. type.

Distribution

It inhabits tropical and subtropical areas of the Indo-Pacific. Its range extends from East Africa and the Red Sea to Japan, New Caledonia and Australasia. In Australia, its range extends from northwestern Western Australia around the north of the country to the Queensland-New South Wales border.

Habitat

A tropical marine benthic species. Occurs on the seaward side of reefs and in soft-bottom lagoons at depths of 30 m (100 ft) or more.

Size

Blackside hawkfish reach a maximum length of about 22 cm (9 inches). However, it is most commonly found at a length of 18 cm (7 inches).

Behavior

Swims in clear lagoons or coastal reefs at least 33 m deep, but can dive very deep. Occurs openly on coral and soft bottom habitats, sometimes in pairs. 

Food and feeding habits

Usually inhabits the outermost branches of Stylophora, Pocillopora and Acropora corals. It feeds mainly on small fish and crustaceans, sometimes shrimp, and is territorial. It is an ambush predator. Usually lurking on the coral head, supported by stiff pectoral fins, ready to pounce on passing crustaceans or small fish.

Reproduction

It is usually a solitary fish, but can be seen in pairs or forming small harems with a dominant male and several females. Like other members of the family, it is a sequential hermaphrodite. Adults begin life as females, but the largest female in the group will change sex to male if that position becomes available.

Fishing

These fish species are of minor importance to the local commercial fishery. 

Relationship with a person

This species is sometimes found in aquariums. It is mainly sold fresh.