Flame Hawkfish

Maintenance difficulty:
   The Flame Hawkfish or Brilliant Red Hawkfish is hard to keep. They need very clean, oxygen-rich water, that is constantly moving. Reefs are an ideal situation for this fish.

Maintenance:
   The hawkfish are carnivores. They do well on a diet which includes all kinds of live, frozen, and flake foods. Best to feed small amounts several times a day. Brine shrimp is the staple diet for these small carnivorous fish.

Habitat: Natural geographic location:
   Flame Hawkfish or Brilliant Red Hawkfish are found in the western Pacific, from Japan to Australia. They are usually seen hiding among branches of live corals (Stylophora mordax, Pocillopora elegans, P. eydouxi, or P. verrucosa). Retreats deep into the coral when approached.

Foods:
   All kinds of meaty foods from small fish and invertebrates; crustaceans.

Social Behaviors:
   Found singly on the reef with one male presiding over a territory that will include 2 to 7 females. In the ocean they are seen hiding among branches of coral.

Sex: Sexual differences:
   The male is usually larger.

Breeding/Reproduction
   Oviparous, monogamous. They exhibit typical Hawkfish courtship and spawning. See general breeding behavior for Hawkfish in the Breeding Marine Fish page.

Light: Recommended light levels:
   No special requirements.

Temperature:
   Hawkfish should be kept at temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Length/Diameter of fish:
   Flame Hawkfish or Brilliant Red Hawkfish adults can grow to 7.5 cm (3.0 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:
   A minimum 20 gallon aquarium is recommended.

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong
   Likes constantly moving well oxygenated water.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom
   Usually spends most of its' time on coral outcroppings near the bottom.

Availability:
   This fish is occasionaly available and is generally expensive. It is observed that the brilliant red color will fade in captivity.