BAROS UNDERWATER The Longnose Hawkfish The longnose hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus), also
A fascinating species, the hawkfish are also seen
species found on tropical reefs in the Indian and
In other words, they start life as females but can
known locally as Thundhigu’gaa’boa, is a hawkfish
Pacific Oceans. It is one of eight species that have
been discovered in the Maldives and the only known member in its genus Oxycirrhites.
The longnose hawkfish can be seen inhabiting steep outer reef slopes amongst black corals or
Gorgonian fans in depths between 10m and 35m, and they are commonly found in the dive sites
around Baros. These incredible creatures feed on small benthic or planktonic crustaceans and can grow to be anything from 10 to 13cm in length.
Unlike other members of the Cirrhitidae family,
this species is incredibly distinctive, with very elongated snouts and vivid colouration that includes reddish stripes. The males of this species
are typically larger and more colourful than the
females, and they can be recognised by the black margins on their pelvic and caudal fins.
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IN TOUCH Magazine — BAROS Maldives
to be protogynous, synchronous hermaphrodites. transform into males after maturing.
If you are an avid diver or snorkeller, this is one of the incredible species you should keep an eye out
for as you discover the mesmerising underwater world of Baros.
