Coral Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus)
Fish in the family Cirrhitidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Coral Hawkfish is a small, robust fish with an orange to red body and white bands or blotches. It has a prominent feathered cirri (filaments) on the anterior dorsal-fin rays and above each eye, giving it a distinctive appearance. The face and head are steep and blunt, and the mouth is positioned terminally for capturing small prey.
Diet and feeding
Feed small meaty foods including frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Offer small portions 2–3 times daily to match its natural feeding behavior of frequent small meals.
Difficulty and care for the Coral Hawkfish
A moderately challenging fish requiring stable water parameters, live rock for perching behavior, and careful tank mate selection. It is not aggressive toward fish too large to eat, but will consume small fish and ornamental shrimp.
Common health issues
Ich (white spot disease), external parasites, stress-related losses in incompatible tank conditions
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa through the Indian Ocean to the central Pacific, including Hawaii and Micronesia.
Log Coral Hawkfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Coral Hawkfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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