Giant Hawkfish with Blacknosed Butterflyfish on a rocky reef

Picture of a Giant Hawkfish and Blacknosed Butterflyfish on a rocky reef

Giant Hawkfish

The Giant Hawkfish, also known as Cirrhitus rivulatus, is a member of the hawkfish family. This species thrives in the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean, and you can often find it in rocky crevices and coral reefs. One remarkable trait of the Giant Hawkfish is its ability to change colour from dark brown to pale pink, helping it to blend into its surroundings and evade predators. They can grow up to 60 centimetres in length, making them the largest among their kind.

Furthermore, the Giant Hawkfish is a carnivore, with a diet primarily consisting of small fish and invertebrates. It's worth noting that they also showcase a solitary behaviour, often seen alone rather than in groups. Unlike many other fish species, the Giant Hawkfish doesn't swim around much; instead, they prefer to perch on rocks and corals and are known for their capability to "hop" on the seabed.

Blacknosed Butterflyfish

The Blacknosed Butterflyfish, on the other hand, is native to the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Specimens of this species, scientific name Johnrandallia nigrirostris, are known for their distinct appearance including the striking black coloration on their snout, hence their name. They are relatively small and only grow up to 12 centimetres in size.

An intriguing aspect about the Blacknosed Butterflyfish is their diet. They are omnivores, but the unique feature lies within their feeding habits. They are one of the few species that feed on coral polyps, showing a particular preference for the polyps of stony corals. Not only are they resilient and adaptable, their eating habits also play a significant role in the ecosystem by controlling the overgrowth of these corals.