Arc-eye Hawkfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and the Red Sea to Hawaii and Easter Island. Inhabits shallow seaward reefs, perching on branches of Pocillopora and Acropora corals at depths of 1 to 30 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Cirrhitidae. Robust and slightly compressed body, reaching up to 13 cm. Lacks a swim bladder.

Social Behavior: Highly territorial. Perches on corals to watch for prey and defends its spot aggressively against other hawkfish or similar-sized tankmates.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is greenish-brown to reddish-orange with a distinctive white stripe on the posterior half. Features a prominent, U-shaped orange and blue border behind the eye. No sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum aquarium volume of 150 liters. Requires sturdy live rock and large branching corals to provide lookouts.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Feeds on small fish and crustaceans. Feed frozen mysis, brine shrimp, chopped krill, and pellets. Feed 2 times daily.

Water Quality: Highly tolerant of minor parameter fluctuations. Maintain temperature at 22-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.025.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Will consume ornamental shrimp and crabs. Keep with larger fish such as surgeonfish, angels, and triggerfish.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Courting pairs rise into the water column at dusk to release gametes. Rare in captivity.

Risks and Diseases: High jumping risk. Highly resistant to common fish diseases.