HawkFish Optimization Algorithm: A Gender-Bending Approach for Solving Complex Optimization Problems

Inspired by the gender transition behavior seen in hawkfish, this paper introduces the HawkFish optimization algorithm, a nature-inspired optimization technique modeled on the unique gender transition behavior of hawkfish. By leveraging this biological phenomenon, the proposed method addresses optimization problems through dual fitness functions, combining an original and inverse fitness function to drive search space exploration while avoiding local minima. The algorithm’s performance is rigorously evaluated against benchmark problems, including the CEC/GECCO 2019 suite, and applied to real-world engineering challenges like welded beam and tension/compression spring design. The proposed method consistently outperforms existing algorithms in terms of convergence rate, accuracy, and solution quality. The results underscore the algorithm’s efficiency in exploring unknown search spaces and solving complex optimization tasks, making it a promising tool for various domains requiring high precision and optimization efficiency.