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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Whitespot hawkfish

Paracirrhites hemistictus Günther, 1874
Max Length
29 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
3.8
Depth
0–20 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Vulnerability
15.00/100
Typical Length
20 cm
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

An uncommon species that inhabits exposed reef fronts and outer reef slopes to a depth of about 18 m where it perches on rocks and corals. Feeds on small crustaceans and fishes . Absent from most large continental islands . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797. Solitary (Ref 90102).

Scientific Name
Paracirrhites hemistictus
Authority
Günther, 1874
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
29 cm
Depth Range
0–20 m
Latitude
28°S – 28°N
Trophic Level
3.8
Vulnerability
15.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 6. Occurs in two basic color morphs: a light phase with a broad white longitudinal band and a maroon to black phase (Paracirrhites polystictus) with a conspicuous white blotch on each side . : fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Whitespot hawkfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Whitespot hawkfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Whitespot hawkfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 20 m . Tropical; 28°N - 28°S known from the Ogasawara Islands (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.8±0.5
🧍 Solitary
Food Items

small crustaceans and fishes (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00933 × L3.08 (TL)
Max TL
29cm
Dorsal Spines
10
Dorsal Rays
11
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
6

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2015

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Fishing Vulnerability
15.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.8
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
28°N – 28°S
Described By
Günther, 1874

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

Nutrition

Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 19.2 g
Omega-3 (total) 133 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Whitespot hawkfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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