Common name: Boar hawkfish

General information

The Spotted Hawkfish, Cirrhitichthys aprinus, is a small, colorful fish known for its distinctive spots and perching behavior. It is a member of the hawkfish family Cirrhitidae, which are characterized by their thickened pectoral fins that allow them to rest on coral branches. This species is not as common in the aquarium trade as some other hawkfish but is appreciated for its unique appearance and interesting behavior.

Care

Spotted Hawkfish are relatively hardy and can be a good choice for intermediate aquarists. They require a tank with plenty of live rock for perching and hiding. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Care should be taken if housing them with small shrimp or crabs, as they may prey on these invertebrates.

Reproduction

In the wild, hawkfish are known to be protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males. However, breeding Spotted Hawkfish in captivity is quite challenging and not commonly reported.

Habitat

Spotted Hawkfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and from the Ryukyu Islands to New Caledonia. They typically inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often seen perched on branching corals at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.