Reef to Rainforest: Discovering Tropical Species, Places, Nature

Flame Hawkfish

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Neocirrhites armatus - Castlenau, 1873
Flame Hawkfish

This species prefers a tank with stony coral colonies in which to hide. Scott W. Michael

[edit] Overview

In the wild, this distinctive fish spends most of its time within the branches of Pocillopora corals. In the reef tank, it will hide in larger small-polyped stony coral colonies or within live rock interstices. Its movements may facilitate water circulation in the colony and its feces may provide a source of nitrogen for coral tissue growth. It will sometimes refuge next to the base and under the tentacles of the Magnificent Sea Anemone (Heteractis magnifica).

Family: Cirrhitidae

Other common name(s):

  • Red Hawkfish
  • Brilliant Red Hawkfish

Native range:

Habitat: Found along surge-swept reef fronts, usually hiding among branches of live corals.

Maximum length: 9 cm (4 in)

Minimum aquarium size: 76 L (20 gal)

Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)

[edit] Feeding

Meaty foods, including finely shredded frozen seafood, mysid shrimp, frozen preparations, pigment-enriched flake food, and Cyclop-eeze. Feed at least once a day—preferably twice.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

The Flame Hawkfish is a threat to shrimps, hermit crabs, snails, and Christmas tree worms. If you keep more than one, provide plenty of suitable hiding places (preferably live Pocillopora corals) and add one larger fish and one or more smaller individuals, increasing your chances of eventually getting a mated pair.


Reference: A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes
Image credit: SWM
Text credit: SWM
Facts about Flame HawkfishRDF feed
Common name Flame Hawkfish  +, Red Hawkfish  +, and Brilliant Red Hawkfish  +
Family Cirrhitidae  +
Genus Neocirrhites  +
Image credit SWM  +
Maximum length 4 in  +
Minimum aquarium size 20 gal  +
Native range Ryukyu Islands  +, Line Islands  +, Mangaréva Islands  +, Great Barrier Reef  +, Austral Islands  +, Caroline Islands  +, Mariana Islands  +, and Wake Islands  +
Reference A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes  +
Specific name armatus  +
Text credit SWM  +
Water max temp 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F)  +
Water min temp 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F)  +
Water type Marine  +
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