Swallowtail hawkfish
📖 Overview
Found on steep slopes and around small coral heads exposed to currents . Hovers several meters above the bottom and feeds mainly on pelagic crustaceans, copepods, and other animals of the plankton. Also found around sponges (Ref 90102).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16 - 17; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 6 - 7. Body mottled light yellowish to orange-brown; juveniles orange-gold . : short and / or deep; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Swallowtail hawkfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Further histological evidence is needed to establish protogyny .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 10 - 132 m . Tropical West Pacific: East Africa south to the southeast coast of South Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
pelagic crustaceans, copepods, and other animals of the plankton
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Swallowtail hawkfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 126 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Swallowtail hawkfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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