Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Tropical Western Pacific: from the Ryukyu Islands in Japan to the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. Inhabits rocky substrates and coral rubble near outer reefs at depths of 15 to 65 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Serranidae, subfamily Anthiadinae. Although classified with anthias, it behaves like a hawkfish due to modified pectoral fins used for resting on rocks. Reaches approximately 5 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and sedentary. Spends most of its time resting on live rock, ready to dart after small crustaceans. Highly territorial toward conspecifics.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Camouflaged coloration with a silvery-white background and large, irregular red or orange spots arranged geometrically. Large ringed eyes. No visible dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 100 liters with plenty of live rock offering crevices or ledges. Lid recommended as it may jump if startled. Gentle to moderate water flow.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Extremely easy to feed in captivity: accepts frozen mysis, fine krill, brine shrimp, and pieces of crustaceans. Feed 1-2 times daily.

Water Quality: Keep parameters stable. Temperature 22-26°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.026. GH 15-25. Sensitive to high nitrate levels.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: 100% reef safe with corals. Ideal for small reef tanks. Avoid housing with small ornamental shrimp (such as Sexy Shrimp) which will be preyed upon. Compatible with peaceful reef fish.

Aquarium Breeding: No successful captive breeding recorded due to the benthic larval phase.

Risks and Diseases: Very hardy. Jumping risk if harassed by territorial bottom-dwellers or large cleaners.