SOLITARY ISLANDS
UNDERWATER
RESEARCH GROUP, INC.

Species Index

Notocirrhitus splendens
(Ogilby, 1889)

Common Name: Splendid Hawkfish

Distribution: Uncommon in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Distributed throughout the South West Pacific region: Australia, Lord Howe, Norfolk and Kermadec Islands. In Australia recorded from southern Queensland and northern New South Wales, but more common at Lord Howe Island.

Ecological Notes: Frequents seaward reefs, at the bases of coral and rocky outcrops. Depth to 10 m.

Additional Notes: Pale background colour with profusion of dark edged bright red spots on head and shoulders, darker blotches and faint whitish stripes on body. Secretive in caves or crevices, often seen upside down on the roof of overhangs. Feeds on small invertebrates and fishes. Grows to 20 cm.

References: Kuiter, R. H., Coastal Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Published by Crawford House Press Pty. Ltd., 1993. p.252.

Atlas of Living Australia website at https://bie.ala.org.au/search?q=notocirrhites+splendens. Accessed 16/06/18.

FishBase. Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2018. World Wide Web electronic publication. https://fishbase.ca/summary/Notocirrhitus-splendens.html. Accessed 16/06/18.