Common name: Wilhelm's hawkfish
General information
The Pixy Hawkfish, scientifically known as Itycirrhitus wilhelmi, is a small, vibrant fish that adds a splash of color and personality to any reef aquarium. They are known for their curious behavior and tendency to perch on corals or rockwork, observing their surroundings with keen interest. Their body is predominantly red with a white underside, and they have a distinctive black spot on their dorsal fin.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 114 liter (30 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
- 9 cm (3½″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers live rock for perching
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyHawkfishesCirrhitidae
- GenusHawkfishItycirrhitus
- SpeciesWilhelm's hawkfishItycirrhitus wilhelmi (Lavenberg & Yañez A., 1972)
- SynonymsAmblycirrhites wilhelmi (Lavenberg & Yañez A., 1972)Amblycirrhitus wilhelmi (Lavenberg & Yañez, 1972)Cirrhitus wilhelmi Lavenberg & Yañez A., 1972
Care
Pixy Hawkfish are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for perching and hiding. While they are generally peaceful, they can be territorial and may prey on small shrimp and other tiny invertebrates, so tank mates should be chosen with care.
Reproduction
In the home aquarium, breeding Pixy Hawkfish can be challenging. They are not commonly bred in captivity, and little is known about their reproductive habits in the home aquarium setting.
Habitat
Itycirrhitus wilhelmi is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They prefer shallow, coral-rich environments and are often seen in lagoons and on outer reef slopes.