Baros Underwater

The Longnose Hawkfish

The longnose hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus), also known locally as Thundhigu’gaa’boa, is a hawkfish species found on tropical reefs in the Indian and 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. A fascinating species, the hawkfish are also seen to be protogynous, synchronous hermaphrodites. In other words, they start life as females but can 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.