Flame Hawkfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Widespread in the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Philippines and Indonesia to the Line and Ryukyu islands. Inhabits current-swept outer reefs, living in close association with branching stony corals (Pocillopora and Stylophora) at depths of 1 to 15 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: The sole member of the genus Neocirrhites. Lacks a swim bladder and has thickened, strong pectoral rays used for gripping corals. Reaches a maximum size of 9 cm (3.5 inches).

Social Behavior: Territorially aggressive towards similar-looking bottom dwellers. Spends its time perching atop branching corals to observe the tank and watch for prey.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is a brilliant solid flame-red, highlighted by a black band running along the dorsal ridge and circling the eyes. No visible sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 120 liters with branching stony corals (live or artificial) and live rock to serve as perches. A tight lid is essential as they can jump when startled.

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

Water Quality: Demands stable water quality: 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 Cohabitation: Reef-safe with corals, which they only use as perching sites. However, they are NOT safe with small ornamental shrimp or tiny crabs, which they will eat. May harass small gobies.

Aquarium Breeding: Extremely difficult. Pelagic spawners. Mated pairs swim upwards to release eggs at dusk. Larvae are pelagic and require micro-live foods.

Risks and Diseases: High jumping risk when startled. Generally very hardy and disease-resistant, but needs suitable perches to feel secure.