Common name: Giant hawkfish

Scientific name: Cirrhitus rivulatus Valenciennes, 1846
Giant HawkfishGiant Hawkfish (Cirrhitus rivulatus) Bartholomew Islet, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

General information

The Panamic Soldierfish, Cirrhitus rivulatus, is a species of hawkfish found in the Eastern Pacific. It is known for its distinctive coloration, with a reddish-brown body and darker spots along its sides. This species can be recognized by its thickset body and protractile mouth, which is useful for capturing prey.

Hawkfishes are unique in that they have a set of hair-like appendages, called cirri, on the tips of their dorsal spines. These cirri are thought to play a role in sensory perception. The Panamic Soldierfish is a solitary species that prefers to perch on coral heads or rocky substrates, where it waits to ambush small fish and invertebrates.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
200 liter (53 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
25 cm (10″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers live rock for perching
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp
Social
Solo Can be territorial
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May nip at small fish
Captive bred
No
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
    Cirrhitus
  7. Species
    Giant hawkfish
    Cirrhitus rivulatus Valenciennes, 1846
  8. Synonyms
    Cirrhites rivulatus Valenciennes, 1846

Care

In the aquarium, the Panamic Soldierfish requires 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 shrimp, squid, and marine fish flesh. It is important to note that they can be aggressive towards smaller fish and invertebrates, so tankmates should be chosen with care.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproductive habits of Cirrhitus rivulatus in the wild. In the aquarium, breeding these fish is quite rare, and there is limited information on their breeding behavior or requirements.

Habitat

The Panamic Soldierfish is typically found in the tropical waters of the Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. They inhabit rocky reefs and coral outcrops, usually at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.

Their preferred habitat includes areas with strong water movement and excellent water quality, which should be replicated in the home aquarium for optimal health.