Splendid Hawkfish, Notocirrhitus splendens (Ogilby, 1889)

Introduction

The Splendid Hawkfish has red spots on the head and larger red to dark brown spots and blotches on the body. The species occurs in subtropical marine waters of the south-western Pacific.

Identification

The Splendid Hawkfish has a pointed snout, large dorsaly positioned eyes and large pectoral fins. There are red spots on the head and larger red to dark brown spots and blotches on the body.

This species was described by Australian Museum fish curator, James Ogilby in 1889. The holotypewas collected at Lord Howe Island in 1888. It is currently stored in the Australian Museum fish collection (AMS I.1841).

Habitat

It is found on coral reefs, inshore areas and rocky reefs.

Distribution

The species occurs in subtropical marine waters of the south-western Pacific. In Australia it is known from Lord Howe Island, Elizabeth Reef, Norfolk Island and some islands off northern New South Wales

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

1. Coleman, N. 1980. Australia Sea Fishes South of 30ºS. Doubleday Australia Pty. Limited. Pp. 309 (as Cirrhitus splendens).
2. Francis, M.P. 1993. Checklist of the coastal fishes of Lord Howe, Norfolk, and Kermadec Islands, southwest Pacific Ocean. Pacific Science. 47(2): 136–170 (as Cirrhitus splendens).
3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
4. Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Crawford House Press . Pp. 437 (as Cirrhitus splendens).
5. Randall, J.E. 2001. Revision of the generic classification of the hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae), with descriptions of three new genera. Zootaxa. 12: 1–12.