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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Cirrhitidae (Hawkfish)
Natural Range: Indian and Pacific Oceans
Depth: 3 to 298 ft. Size: 5 in. Jumps: Likely Space: 30+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Crustaceans, small fish
Natural History: The Arc-eye Hawkfish is found in lagoons, reef faces and slopes among branching stony corals. It retreats among the coral branches at any sign of danger and at night. It ambushes prey from perches on the coral branches. It feeds on the bottom and from the plankton. Males usually defend a small harem of females and do not tolerate other males within their territory. There are 3 color variants of arc-eye hawkfish: pink with white stripe, reddish, or dark brown.
Husbandry: The Arc-eye Hawkfish should be kept in a tank with other aggressive fish, since it will harass fish its own size or even larger. It may eat smaller fish, ornamental shrimp or crabs. If possible, it should be provided with branching stony corals and live rock. Only one Arc-eye Hawkfish should be housed per aquarium.
Reproduction: Pairs will swim upwards in a spawning ascent and release their eggs into the plankton, usually in the evening.