Fin's Fish Guide
The Lyretail hawkfish (Cyprinocirrhites polyactis) is a saltwater fish of the family Cirrhitidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The lyretail hawkfish is a hawkfish from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a red-brown to orange body with tufts on the tips of the dorsal-fin spines and a conspicuously deeply forked, lyre-like tail. Unlike most hawkfishes, which perch on coral, it often swims freely in the current above the reef to catch zooplankton. Like many hawkfishes it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The fish appears in the reef aquarium. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lyretail hawkfish?
The Lyretail hawkfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Lyre-like forked tail; swims freely in the current, protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Lyretail hawkfish live?
The Lyretail hawkfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Lyretail hawkfish get?
The Lyretail hawkfish grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Lyretail hawkfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Lyretail hawkfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Lyretail hawkfish edible?
The Lyretail hawkfish is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cirrhitidae
Want the complete picture on the Lyretail hawkfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lyretail hawkfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.