Giant Hawkfish (Cirrhitus rivulatus)
Fish in the family Cirrhitidae. Moderate care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Giant Hawkfish is a stocky, robust fish with a mottled reddish-brown to orange coloration with darker bands and mottling across the body. It has a large mouth, small eyes positioned high on the head, and distinctive cirri (hair-like appendages) above the eyes and along the gill covers, which give the family Cirrhitidae its name.
Diet and feeding
Feed meaty foods including small fish, crustaceans, and prepared frozen foods like mysis shrimp, krill, and chopped seafood. Occasionally supplement with live food to encourage natural hunting behavior.
Difficulty and care for the Giant Hawkfish
The Giant Hawkfish is moderately difficult, requiring a large tank, stable water conditions, and careful tank mates selection due to its aggressive predatory nature and tendency to eat smaller fish.
Common health issues
Parasites, lateral line erosion, fin damage from aggression or sharp rocks
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea through East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, Indo-Pacific coral reef environments.
Log Giant 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 Giant Hawkfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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