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Flame Hawkfish
Neocirrhites armatus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cirrhitidae
📍 Indo-Pacific — Hawaii to Marquesas
Vivid red with black dorsal markings and outline — perches atop gorgonians and Acropora waiting to ambush prey. Completely reef-safe with corals but will eat small shrimp. Charismatic and bold.
Care Guide
Diet
Flame Hawkfish are carnivorous and should be fed high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and small pieces of fresh seafood once daily. They readily accept quality pellets formulated for marine carnivores. Feed portions they can consume in 2-3 minutes to maintain water quality.
Behavior
Flame Hawkfish are bold, charismatic perchers that spend most of their time stationed on corals or rockwork, darting out to ambush passing prey. They are semi-aggressive and territorial, particularly toward smaller fish and crustaceans, though they ignore corals entirely. They are most active during daylight hours and make excellent centerpiece fish for reef aquariums.
Breeding
Breeding Flame Hawkfish in captivity is extremely rare and has not been reliably documented in home aquariums. They are broadcast spawners in the wild but require very specific conditions and large volumes to attempt breeding. For most hobbyists, captive-bred specimens from reputable breeders are the only practical option.
Tank Mates
Similar reef-safe temperament and water requirements; may compete for space but generally coexist peacefully
Compatible reef fish with similar care needs; less aggressive than some damselfish alternatives
Peaceful herbivore that occupies different feeding niche; reef-safe and compatible with hawkfish
Small size makes it potential prey; only suitable in larger tanks with plenty of hiding spots
Will be hunted and eaten; only viable if tank is large enough to support multiple shrimp colonies
Attractive prey item; may survive in well-established tanks with abundant cover but predation is likely
Common Diseases
Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against rocks, lethargy
Quarantine affected fish; raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C; use copper-based treatments or hyposalinity in quarantine tank only
Bacterial Infections
Torn fins, lesions on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Improve water quality and reduce stress; use broad-spectrum antibiotics in quarantine if severe; maintain excellent filtration
Parasitic Infections (Flukes)
Excessive scratching, rapid gill movement, mucus coating, weight loss despite feeding
Quarantine and treat with formalin or copper-based parasiticides; maintain pristine water conditions during treatment
Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE)
Pitting or erosion of head and lateral line, loss of appetite, lethargy
Improve diet with vitamin-enriched foods and varied frozen preparations; ensure excellent water quality and stable parameters
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- diet
- carnivore — mysis, pellets
- maxSize
- 3.5 inches
- minTankSize
- 20 gallons
- temperature
- 72–81°F (22–27°C)
Temperature
72–81°F
22–27°C