Common name: Dwarf hawkfish

Scientific name: Cirrhitichthys falco Randall, 1963
Falco Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys falco) Falco Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys falco) in Japan
Falco hawkfish Cirrhitichthys falco perches on coral and waits for prey in a reef aquarium.Dwarf Hawkfish Cirrhitichthys falco

General information

The Falco Hawkfish, scientifically known as Cirrhitichthys falco, is a small and colorful marine fish that is popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts. It is known for its distinctive hawk-like perching behavior and its ability to hover in the water column. The Falco Hawkfish has a mottled red and white body with a series of dark spots along its dorsal fin.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
8 cm (3″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs live rock for perching
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
Social
Pair Can be kept in pairs
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May be territorial
Captive bred
Yes Available as captive-bred
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Hawkfishes
    Cirrhitidae
  6. Genus
    Hawkfish
    Cirrhitichthys
  7. Species
    Dwarf hawkfish
    Cirrhitichthys falco Randall, 1963
  8. Synonyms
    Cirrhitichthys serratus Randall, 1963
    Cirrhitichtys falco Randall, 1963

Care

Falco Hawkfish are relatively easy to care for but they do require a tank with plenty of live rock for perching and hiding. They are carnivorous and should be fed a diet of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It's important to note that they can be aggressive towards smaller fish and invertebrates, so tank mates should be chosen with care.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, breeding Falco Hawkfish can be challenging. They are egg-layers, and the male typically guards the eggs until they hatch. However, raising the larvae requires a separate rearing tank with appropriate food and water conditions.

Habitat

Falco Hawkfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They typically inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often perching on coral heads or rubble slopes in search of prey.