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Flame hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus)
Photo: Brian Gratwicke · CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Flame hawkfish

Neocirrhites armatus · Cirrhitidae

Also known as Brilliant hawkfish

Beginner

Bright scarlet and very hardy; perches in SPS branches and lives for years.

In short: A flame hawkfish needs at least 150 L (40 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
150 L (40 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
150 L (40 US gal)
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
150 L (40 US gal)
Aggression
Bold; may harry small tank mates.
Feeding
Once daily.

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume
150 L (40 US gal)
Temperature
23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
8–12 dGH
Lifespan
5–12 years
Diet
Carnivore — mysis, krill, chopped seafood.
Care level
Beginner

Origin & habitat

Native region
Central and western Pacific
Water type
Saltwater
Biotope
Branching Pocillopora coral
Natural conditions
Moderate to strong flow.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Minimum group
1 fish
Swims
All levels
Good tank mates
Tangs
Angels
Robust wrasses
Avoid
Ornamental shrimp
Tiny fish

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty
Advanced
Sexing
Not reliably sexable.
Notes
Not bred at home.
Common ailments
Marine ich
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