These territorial fishes are small to medium predators that are often found resting quietly among rock or coral heads. They hold themselves in place with their pectoral fins. They can swiftly swoop down on their prey from these ambush spots. This family is characterized by unusual tufts of filaments that extend from the ends of their dorsal spines.

Blackside Hawkfish
(Paracirrhites fosteri)

This hawkfish has a light colored front half that is densely freckled in red to black. It has a broad black band at its backward half that is bordered with white. As juveniles they are divided lengthwise into half white and half black with a bright yellow back.