Description
Oxycirrhites typus, or the Longnose Hawkfish, is a small marine fish known for its very long, pointed snout, white body, and a grid-like pattern of red stripes and bars. It typically grows up to 13 cm (5.1 inches) and has a tuft of cirri on its dorsal fin spines. The fish is often found perched on gorgonians and black corals in tropical reefs.
Key features
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Appearance: White body with a network of horizontal and near-vertical red lines. Its most distinctive feature is a greatly elongated, pointed snout.
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Dorsal fin: Has a tuft of cirri (small, hair-like projections) at the tip of each dorsal fin spine.
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Size: Reaches a maximum length of 13 cm (5.1 inches).
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Habitat: Inhabits tropical reefs in the Indo-Pacific region, often found at depths of 10 to 100 meters. It prefers to perch on gorgonian sea fans and black corals.
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Behavior: Known to be a stationary hunter, observing its surroundings from a single perch. It is sometimes kept in the aquarium trade.
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Diet: Primarily feeds on small crustaceans and zooplankton.
