Abstract
Ten species of Pacific hawkfishes occur in small social groups consisting of a single male and one or more females. Facultative monogamy occurred regularly in two obligate coral dwelling species while the remaining species were largely haremic. Males had larger body sizes than females within groups but not necessarily between groups. Males defended territories in which females had home areas. Females defended courtship sites within a male's territory against neighboring females of the same social group.Courtship was paired and sequential within groups, commencing just prior to or after sunset and concluding at dusk. Spawning, when observed, was pelagic.
