The Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus) is a strikingly colored marine fish that’s popular in the aquarium trade due to its vibrant coloration and unique personality. Here are some general characteristics and information about this species:
- Appearance: The Flame Hawkfish has a bright red body with dark markings on the dorsal fin. It has large, alert eyes, which gives it a somewhat curious and expressive appearance.
- Size: They are relatively small, typically growing up to about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) in length.
- Habitat: They are native to the tropical reefs of the Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Great Barrier Reef to the Hawaiian Islands.
- Behavior: Flame Hawkfish are known for their curious and somewhat bold nature. They don’t swim around as much as other fish; instead, they tend to perch on coral or rock formations and dart out to snatch prey. Their behavior in the wild involves stalking small crustaceans and other invertebrates.
- Aquarium Care:
- Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended.
- Diet: They are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as small shrimp, mysis, and other marine meats.
- Compatibility: They can be aggressive towards smaller fish and invertebrates. Hence, tankmates should be chosen with care. They are not reef safe as they might prey on small crustaceans and ornamental shrimp.
- Environment: Provide them with plenty of hiding spots and perches. They prefer a setup with lots of live rock formations.
- Water Quality: Like most marine fish, they require good water quality with stable temperature, pH, and salinity levels.
- Lifespan: With proper care, Flame Hawkfish can live for several years in captivity.
- Interesting Fact: Hawkfish get their name from their hunting strategy. Much like a hawk bird that perches and waits for the right moment to snatch its prey, the hawkfish will perch on corals or rocks and wait for an unsuspecting meal to come by.
If you are considering keeping a Flame Hawkfish in your aquarium, it’s essential to do thorough research and ensure that your tank environment and other inhabitants are suitable for this species. They can be a wonderful and entertaining addition to a marine aquarium with their unique behaviors and vibrant appearance.
