Pixy/Spotted Hawkfish
(Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 3″
Color Form: Blue, Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Fiji, Tonga
Family: Cirrhitidae

The Pixy Hawkfish, also known as the Coral Hawkfish, is sometimes referred to as the Spotted Hawkfish, but it should not be confused with Cirrhitichthys aprinus, also called the Spotted Hawkfish. The Pixy Hawkfish has a whitish-blue body with large red spots.

A 30 gallon or larger aquarium is acceptable for this hardy and aggressive fish. It will harass small, peaceful fish and most any other fish that is introduced to the aquarium after it has become established. Its tank mates should be larger than itself and at least semi-aggressive. It will eat small fish and crustaceans.

The Pixy Hawkfish diet should include a variety of marine meats, frozen preparations, and live feeder shrimp.

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Freckled Hawkfish
(Paracirrhites forsteri)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 9″
Color Form: Black, Green, Red, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Australia, Hawaii, Melanesia
Family: Cirrhitidae
Reproduction: Egg Layer
Swim Level: Bottom

The Freckled Hawkfish, also known as Forster’s Hawkfish or Blackside Hawkfish, undergoes color changes several times during its lifetime. As a juvenile, it is burgundy with a yellow tail. As an adult, it may be pink, brown, or an olive color. The black or red freckles on the face are constant throughout its lifetime.

A 70 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary for this fish. It hunts crustaceans and smaller fish, and it should be the last fish introduced to a semi-aggressive to aggressive community of fish. It becomes very territorial and will harass new additions including other hawkfish and fish that are much larger than itself.

The Freckled Hawkfish diet should include a variety of marine meats, frozen preparations, and live feeder shrimp.

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Spotted Hawkfish
(Cirrhitichthys aprinus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 5″
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Central America, Indo-Pacific, Western Pacific
Family: Cirrhitidae

The Spotted Hawkfish, also known as the Threadfin Hawkfish or Blotched Hawkfish, has a white body with large red blotches.

A 30 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of hiding places is acceptable for this hardy and aggressive fish. It should not be kept with larger more aggressive hawkfish. Although it eats small fish and shrimp, with caution, it can make an excellent reef inhabitant.

The Spotted Hawkfish diet should include a variety of marine meats, frozen preparations, and live feeder shrimp.

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Longnose Hawkfish
(Oxycirrhites typus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 5″
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Central America, Fiji
Family: Cirrhitidae

The Longnose Hawkfish has a white body with red striping that runs both horizontally and vertically. They have great personalities and are very interesting to watch. They are also the only Hawkfish reported to have spawned in captivity.

A 30 gallon or larger aquarium is acceptable, and should have a tight-fitting lid to prevent escape. The Longnose Hawkfish is a hardy, semi-aggressive fish but other larger hawkfish will overpower it. Although it eats small fish and shrimp, it makes an excellent reef inhabitant under the proper conditions. It likes to be perch on and be camouflaged by the Red Gorgonian Sea Fan or other similar decor.

The Longnose Hawkfish diet should include a variety of marine meats, frozen preparations, and live feeder shrimp.

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Red Hawkfish
(Cyprinocirrhites polyactus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 6″
Color Form: Orange, Purple, Red
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Cirrhitidae

The Red Hawkfish, also known as the Soaring, Swallowtail, or Lyretail Hawkfish, has a mottled orange to red body. Its lyre-shaped tail sets it apart from most of the other hawkfish in appearance.

A 30 gallon or larger aquarium is acceptable for this hardy and aggressive fish. It may be grouped with other Red Hawkfish if all are introduced to the aquarium at the same time and if there is adequate room available. Although it eats small fish and shrimp, it can make an excellent reef inhabitant under the right conditions. It uses anemones and large-polyped corals for protection.

The Red Hawkfish diet should include a variety of marine meats, frozen preparations, and live feeder shrimp.

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