Hawkfish: Nice Marine Fish Species with an Appetite

What more can be said of these hawkfish other than that the fact that they are very hardy, often very colorful, commonly found in the aquarium trade, have a very inquisitive disposition, for the most part are very affordable and can be fed a myriad of food with optimal results. These curious fish make up the family Cirrhitidae and comprise 9 genera and roughly 35 species. They are similar in body style to rockfish and scorpionfish, but with one major difference, they lack the prominent head spines that are associated with the rock and lionfish.

Hawkfish occur mainly in the Indo-Pacific, Tropical West and East Atlantic with the one exception being the Red-Spotted Hawkfish that is endemic to the Caribbean and Florida. Most of these fish are from shallow regions of the reefs with the lone exception being the Long- Nose Hawkfish that is found in deeper waters, thus the reasoning behind the higher price tag. Hawkfish remain fairly small averaging 5 inches in length. They lack a swim bladder, which is the main reason for their constantly perching characteristic and inability to swim very well and for any extended period of time.

For the most part hawkfish are compatible with other marine fish as long as the other fish are not too small or or large enough to prey on the hawkfish. Hawkfish usually do not show any signs of aggression towards other tank mates, but will show some aggressiveness towards other Hawkfish so care should be advised. Housing a hawkfish in a reef environment can be a mistake as the hawkfish will feed upon cleaner shrimp, worms, crabs and other invertebrates, however, corals will be safe from their predatory tendencies.

They are able to adapt to a myriad of varying water parameter issues just avoid constant and dramatic peeks and lows regarding the various parameter variables, such as, but not limited to, temperature, salinity, alkalinity and pH.

These fish a voracious eaters evident form the first time you introduce brine or mysis shrimp into a tank. They are constantly in search of food and wait eagerly perched atop a coral or live rock for the first crack at snaring its share of food. They will accept pretty much anything offered, but it is advisable to offer a varied diet 2-3 times a day in small feedings. The soaking of the food in a trace/vitamin supplement such as Seachem's or Kent's liquid supplement is advantageous.

Another nice feature about Cirrhitidae's, is the fact that they are pretty disease resistant and have a low parasite load. They are also not very sensitive to therapeutic medicines such as methylene blue or copper, though other fish, corals and inverts will display negative results with the addition of these forms of medication especially.

Red, black, yellow and white are the colors most associated with hawkfish. Various patterns and shades of these colors afford these fish a nice diversification for a marine tank set-up.

The proper selection of a healthy individual right from the start will ensure that your fish has an excellent chance at a long and prosperous life in a captive environment. Lack of blemishes, scars, tissue and fin tear, labored breathing, and lethargic swimming behavior and appearance should be a warning to you to pass on the hawkfish displaying these attributes.

Truly a welcomed and quintessential beginner's fish. Their behavior is unique and offers the aquarist a comical, enjoyable and interesting addition to their marine aquarium.