Paragomphus cognatus, the rock hooktail, is a species of dragonfly in the family Gomphidae.

[2] Its natural habitats are streams and rivers in a wide variety of vegetation types, including fynbos and grassland, savanna and forest.

The ends of the cerci diverge, and they are thick and truncate.

In southern Africa (south of 15°S), the shape of the cerci separate this species from other dragonflies.

[3] Frequents rocky streams, rivers, river-pools.