Freckled Hawkfish (Paracirrhites fosteri) change colour through their lives, but are identifiable by the permanent freckles on their face. The juvenile pictured here is learning how to perch on coral and lie in wait for its prey – usually smaller fish and shrimp swimming by. As ambush predators, they attack in a surprising burst of speed.

Life In The Undercoral

by Shreya Yadav

Freckled Hawkfish (Paracirrhites fosteri) change colour through their lives, but are identifiable by the permanent freckles on their face. The juvenile pictured here is learning how to perch on coral and lie in wait for its prey – usually smaller fish and shrimp swimming by. As ambush predators, they attack in a surprising burst of speed.