AWYSIWYG – Approx. Size: 2-4 Inches
Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus)
Flame Hawkfish are bold, charismatic reef fish beloved for their striking color and quirky personalities. Sporting a vibrant red body with darker accents along the dorsal area, these fish perch proudly on rockwork, surveying their surroundings with curious, expressive eyes. Their lack of a swim bladder gives them a unique, hopping movement as they navigate the tank.
Flame Hawkfish thrive in aquariums of 30 gallons or more with plenty of live rock for perching and hiding. They enjoy vantage points and caves where they can rest and feel secure. A secure lid is recommended, as they may jump when startled or chasing prey.
These hawkfish are known for their fearless and inquisitive nature. They often act like miniature reef predators, watching everything intently from their favorite perch. Their behavior is a constant source of entertainment, adding personality to any reef setup.
Carnivorous by nature, Flame Hawkfish should be fed a variety of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and high-quality frozen blends. They generally accept prepared foods readily and benefit from regular, protein-rich feedings to maintain their color and energy.
While generally peaceful, Flame Hawkfish can show territorial behavior toward very small shrimp or similarly sized perchers. They do well in community reef tanks with fish of similar temperament and size. Exercise caution when keeping them with small ornamental crustaceans, as they may become a snack over time.
Hawkfish are bold, curious, and carnivorous saltwater fish known for their unique perching behavior. Lacking a swim bladder, they rest on corals and rock ledges, scanning their surroundings before darting to capture prey. Their hardy nature and distinct personalities make them a favorite among marine hobbyists.While they are reef-safe in terms of coral compatibility, hawkfish have a predatory nature and may consume small shrimp, crabs, and tiny fish, making them best suited for fish-only or carefully planned reef tanks.
Care Level: Easy – Hardy and adaptableMinimum Tank Size: 40+ gallonsAquarium Setup:Requires plenty of live rock for perchingPrefers moderate water flow with open hunting spaceCan be kept singly or in pairs if introduced togetherHawkfish are territorial and will often claim a specific rock or coral formation as their perch.Diet & FeedingHawkfish are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on small fish, shrimp, and other meaty foods in the wild.Diet Type: Carnivorous – Prefers live and frozen foods
Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafoodHigh-quality frozen marine foods and pelletsLive feeder shrimp for larger speciesA protein-rich diet supports their hunting instincts and maintains optimal health.
Lifespan: 5-10 yearsSize Potential: Typically grows 3-5 inches, with some species reaching 6 inchesHawkfish remain relatively small but require ample rockwork and structured tank space to feel secure.
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive – Territorial but manageable in most aquariumsReef Safe? With Caution – Does not harm corals but may eat small invertebratesHawkfish generally coexist well with larger, non-aggressive fish, but their predatory instincts make them unsuitable for tanks with small shrimp, gobies, or other bite-sized tankmates.
May Prey on Small Invertebrates: Avoid keeping hawkfish with small shrimp or tiny fish.Territorial Nature: Best added as the last fish in a community tank to minimize aggression.Perching Behavior: While fascinating, their habit of sitting on coral polyps may stress some sensitive species.Ensuring a well-structured environment with sturdy perches helps hawkfish feel secure and display natural behaviors.
Hawkfish display a range of vibrant colors and patterns, making them a bold addition to marine aquariums.Popular Hawkfish Species:Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus) – Brilliant red body with black dorsal markingsLongnose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) – White body with red lattice-like markings, known for its elongated snoutArc-Eye Hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus) – Reddish-brown body with a distinct orange eye markingFreckled Hawkfish (Paracirrhites forsteri) – White body with red mottling, adaptable to various tank sizes
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