Pixy Hawkfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widespread in the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Philippines and Indonesia to Samoa, north to southern Japan, and south to the Great Barrier Reef. Inhabits coral-rich seaward reefs and rubble areas at depths of 4 to 46 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Cirrhitidae. Grows to a maximum length of 8 cm (3.1 inches). Features small tufts (cirri) at the tips of the dorsal fin spines and thickened lower pectoral rays.

Social Behavior: Semi-aggressive. Spends its day perching motionless on high points, keeping a watchful eye on the environment. Will quickly dart after food. Highly territorial towards other hawkfish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Pinkish-white body adorned with red-brown blotches and oblique bands. Highlighted by thin red lines running from the eye down the gill cover. No external sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Needs a tank of at least 100 liters with plenty of live rock structures or branching corals for perching. A secure lid is mandatory as they are prone to jumping when startled.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Provide high-quality meaty frozen foods such as mysis, brine shrimp, chopped krill, clam, and carnivore pellets. Feed 1-2 times daily.

Water Quality: Extremely hardy. Standard parameters: temperature 24-27°C (75-81°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.022-1.025, GH 15-25, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Reef-safe with corals. However, it will eat small ornamental shrimp, crabs, and tiny hermit crabs. May bully small, passive bottom dwellers like gobies.

Aquarium Reproduction: Highly challenging. Pelagic spawners. Mated pairs swim up into the water column at dusk to release gametes.

Risks and Diseases: Primary risk is loss through jumping. Exceptionally disease-resistant and tolerant of minor water quality fluctuations.