Coral Hawkfish

This marine aquarium fish is known as Coral Hawkfish, Pixy Hawkfish and the correct latin name is Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus. The family that this marine fish species belongs to is called the Hawkfish family. (e) Origin of this fish is Indo-Pacific. (e)

Character and suggestions regarding care

The Coral hawkfish belongs to aggressive species.

Coral Hawkfish can grow up to 13 cm what is approximately 5 inches. In general, 1 specimen requires at least 1560cm² of water surface which is approximately 241 square inch. It is recommended to raise this species in fish tanks that are medium. (e) Medium aquariums have at least 113 Litres (30 US Gallons). Large aquariums have at least 265 Litres (70 US Gallons). Capacity of very large aquariums is at least 700 Litres (185 US Gallons).

It is easy to keep the Coral Hawkfish. (e) The specific gravity (SG) should be between 1,020 and 1,025, the temperature between 23°C (73.4°F) and 26°C (78.8°F). The suggested level of pH (a measure of the acidity/basicity) is between 8.0 and 8.3 which is usual for most marine fish.

This Hawkfish is a carnivore and as already mentioned, is aggressive towards smaller and similarly-sized fish. If you’re going to keep these fish in a tank with other species, make sure that only semi-aggressive and bigger fish are the only companion for Coral Hawkfish.

You should not keep even small crustaceans and fish in the tank wish this species;. It is because Coral Hawkfish live on the bottom and these creatures will become it’s food. They use to hide in corals during nights, so you should also create hiding places in the tank made of live rocks and corals. When it comes to feeding, you should feed this fish meaty salt water foods and shrimps.

Thanks to Kenneth Leonard for the pictures. Copyright Ken Leonard.

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Related fish profiles in the database

• Cirrhitichthys Falco (Dwarf Hawkfish, Falco Hawkfish)
• Cirrhitops Fasciatus (Redbarred Hawkfish)
• Neocirrhites Armatus (Flame Hawkfish)
• Oxycirrhites Typus (Longnose Hawkfish)
• Paracirrhites Arcatus (Arc-Eye Hawkfish)
• Paracirrhites Forsteri (Blackside Hawkfish)

Recommended reading

• Saltwater aquarium heater
• Saltwater aquarium lights
• Saltwater aquarium filters
• Saltwater tank aeration
• Marine fish diseases
• Protein Simmers in the Saltwater Tank
• Setting up a Saltwater Tank
• Saltwater Fish Tanks
• Cleaner Shrimp
• Pajama Cardinals

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