Coral hawkfish
Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus · Cirrhitidae
Also known as Pixy hawkfish, Spotted hawkfish
Beginner
A tough little perching predator with red spots; will eat shrimp and small gobies.
In short: A coral hawkfish needs at least 110 L (29 US gal), water at 23–27 °C (73–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- Eats shrimp and small crabs.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Aggression
- Hunts anything small.
- Feeding
- Once daily.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — mysis, krill, chopped seafood.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indo-Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Coral heads on reef slopes
- Natural conditions
- Moderate flow, branching rock.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- TangsAngelsLarger wrasses
- Avoid
- Ornamental shrimpSmall gobiesFirefish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Males are larger.
- Notes
- Not bred at home.
- Common ailments
- Marine ich
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