Common name: Dwarf hawkfish
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
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyHawkfishesCirrhitidae
- GenusHawkfishCirrhitichthys
- SpeciesDwarf hawkfishCirrhitichthys falco Randall, 1963
- SynonymsCirrhitichthys serratus Randall, 1963Cirrhitichtys 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.