[Ebook] Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish – Directory of Marine Fish – Hawkfish

Directory of Marine Fish

Hawkfish

The predatory hawkfish are so called because of their habit of swooping down from above on to their victims, in a similar way to birds of prey. Long pectoral fins enable these fish to rest securely on a rocky perch so that, although they may sway in the current, they will not be swept away by the swell. This is very important, because hawkfish lack a swim bladder and so have difficulty in maintaining their buoyancy in the water.

Pixy Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus)

• ORIGINS: The Red Sea through the Indo-Pacific region to the western coast of Central America.
• SIZE: 3 in (8 cm).
• DIET: Marine flake and thawed livefoods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Keep separate from other hawkfish.

The Pixy Hawkfish’s dominant reddish coloration becomes blotched on the lower part of its body. It makes an interesting aquarium occupant, but like other hawkfish, it should not be housed with crustaceans in a reef aquarium, since its sharp teeth can make easy work of even a crab’s shell. Hawkfish will also eat worms and smaller fish.

Arc-Eyed Hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus)

• ORIGINS: East Africa through the Indian Ocean to Hawaii and other areas of the Pacific.
• SIZE: 5 1⁄2 in (14 cm).
• DIET: Marine flake and thawed live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Sedentary by nature.

This hawkfish is characterized by delicate markings of orange and pale blue on the head, which form an arc around the eye, and a horizontal white stripe along the rear of the body. The Arc-Eyed Hawkfish can move very swiftly when an edible item catches its eye. It will readily learn to take prepared foods and can even be persuaded to feed from the hand.

Longnose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus)

• ORIGINS: From the Red Sea through the Indian Ocean to the eastern Pacific seaboard.
• SIZE: 5 in (13 cm).
• DIET: Marine flake and thawed live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Choose companions carefully

The elongated mouthparts of the Longnose Hawkfish, combined with its red-banded body, give this species an unmistakable appearance. Arrange the aquarium decor securely so that the fish has several vantage points near the surface from which it can watch over the rest of the tank. The Longnose Hawkfish can jump well, and it should therefore be kept in a covered aquarium. Hawkfish cannot be sexed visually. Keep these fish singly to avoid fighting.

Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus)

• ORIGINS: The Great Barrier Reef, off Australia’s eastern coast, and throughout the Pacific region.
• SIZE: 3 in (7.5 cm ).
• DIET: Marine flake and thawed live foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Can be predatory.

This is one of the most colorful hawkfish, its stunning red coloration augmented by black spectacles and a black area running along the top of the body onto the dorsal fin. It shows to best effect if given a perch, such as a cured sea fan, which it can adopt as a vantage point. Breeding in the aquarium is highly unlikely, since this fish spawns in harems.