Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They are highly observant and charismatic fish, constantly watching the room with their independently rotating eyes. While aggressive toward small shrimp and other hawkfish, they mostly ignore other swimming fish. Their bold, inquisitive nature makes them a spectacular pet.

Diet

Carnivore

This species is a predatory carnivore that naturally hunts small crustaceans and invertebrates. In the aquarium, they must be fed a diet rich in meaty foods like frozen mysis shrimp, krill, and chopped seafood. They will also quickly learn to accept high-quality marine carnivore pellets.

Sex ratio

Solitary

There are no obvious visual differences between the sexes in this species. Keeping multiple Flame Hawkfish in the same aquarium usually results in violent, sometimes fatal, territorial disputes. They should strictly be kept as a solitary specimen unless a proven mated pair is acquired.

Feeding frequency

TWO_THREE_DAILY

Feeding them once or twice daily is sufficient to maintain their plump, healthy body shape. They are eager eaters that will dart out from their perches to snatch food from the water column. Avoid overfeeding, as they can quickly become obese and suffer liver issues.

Bioload

The Flame Hawkfish produces a moderate bioload in the marine aquarium. As strict carnivores, their protein-rich waste requires efficient protein skimming and good biological filtration. Provided standard maintenance is followed, their impact on water quality is easily mitigated.

Flow

Strong

They prefer moderate to strong water flow, typical of the coral heads they inhabit in the wild. Good flow ensures high oxygenation and sweeps food past their preferred perching spots. They use their specialized pectoral fins to anchor themselves against strong currents.

Jump risk

Yes

Like most hawkfish, they are prone to leaping from the tank when startled. A secure, tight-fitting mesh lid is an absolute necessity to prevent a fatal jump. They will often inspect the surface and any open top is a severe risk.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Flame Hawkfish are pelagic spawners that release eggs into the water column. Captive breeding is incredibly difficult and almost entirely restricted to specialized aquaculture facilities. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, able to change sex from female to male.

Compatibility & tankmates

Reef safe

They are generally peaceful with larger fish but are a severe threat to small ornamental shrimp. They are not entirely reef safe because they will hunt and eat small crustaceans. They should be kept with other moderately aggressive or robust peaceful fish.

Tank level

Bottom

They lack a swim bladder and therefore sink when not actively swimming. They spend their entire lives perching on rocks, corals, or equipment in the lower to middle zones of the tank. Intricate rockwork is essential for providing them with numerous perching vantage points.