Arc-Eye Hawkfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A bedazzling predator for a community of bigger, self-assured species. Scott W. Michael
Overview
Appearing in different color schemes and bedecked with distinctive orange eyeliner markings, this is a very handsome, durable member of the hawkfish clan. Like most other hawkfishes, it is an ambush predator, perching patiently on rocks or corals until an appropriate prey item comes within striking range. This species has a large mouth and is a potential threat to a variety of smaller tankmates. House it only with tankmates that can fend for themselves.
Family: Cirrhitidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Habitat: Reef. It will rest on stony corals or live rock and duck into interstices when threatened.
Maximum length: 14 cm (6 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
General swimming level: Near substrate.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed meaty foods at least once a day.
Aquarium Compatibility
Spending most of its time in repose on the substrate, it will dash into the water column to snatch passing food items. It may jump from an open aquarium. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a classic reef predator, with ever-alert eyes and fast hunting reflexes.
Breeding/Propagation
Egg scatterers that produce pelagic eggs, often in midwater mating rituals. Both eggs and larvae that drift with plankton in the water column and settle back onto a reef at about the time of metamorphosis. These are among the most challenging types of marine fishes to propagate in captivity.
Notes
The Arc-eye Hawkfish is a stocky, more aggressive hawkfish that will pick on smaller, benthic fishes. It may even harass more passive fishes of equal or slightly greater size added to the tank after it has become acclimated. This species can be kept in pairs, although sexing individuals can be difficult (attempt to keep two fish that are different in size in a larger tank). It will eat any fish or crustacean that it can swallow whole.