Yellow hawkfish

The tip of the dorsal fin spine is open.

Scientific name	Cirrhitichthys aureus
English name	Yellow hawkfish
Japanese name	沖好爺
Classification	Actinopterygii
Classification details	Perciformes Cirrhitidae
Full length	less than 15cm
Distribution	Distributed in the Pacific and Indian oceans.

Characteristics

It has an orange-brown body with dark spots in a mottled pattern. The tips of the yellow dorsal fin spines are finely branched. Appears to be clinging to rocks and corals using its pectoral fins.

Origin of the name hawkfish

The Japanese name for the hawkfish("Gonbe" in Japanese) fish is derived from the fact that the tips of the thorns are branched, which resembles the "Gonbei" hairstyle that was popular around the Edo period.

Ecology

It is benthic and can be found on rocks and on the surface of the sea. Often solitary, it preys on small animals such as crustaceans.

Habitat

Kanagawa Prefecture Hayakawa Beach

I saw and photographed it quite often during diving. It hid between rocks and ropes near the seabed, and did not run away even when approached fairly close. He has a blank face, but his hair is cool.