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Flame Hawkfish

Brilliant Red Hawkfish Family: Cirrhitidae

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Neocirrhites armatus

   The Flame Hawkfish or Brilliant Red Hawkfish is a rather shy fish that does not adapt well to captivity. Their pretty color makes them sell well in pet shops even though they are usually expensive.

   They are best suited to a reef environment. The Flame Hawkfish or Brilliant Red Hawkfish are difficult to acclimate and need constantly moving well oxygenated water. It is probably best to stay away from this fish unless you are an experienced marine aquarist.

For more Information on keeping marine fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Marine Aquarium

Maintenance:
   The hawkfish are carnivores. They do well on a diet which includes all kinds of live, frozen, and flake foods. Best to feed small amounts several times a day. Brine shrimp is the staple diet for these small carnivorous fish.

Habitat: Natural geographic location:
   Flame Hawkfish or Brilliant Red Hawkfish are found in the western Pacific, from Japan to Australia. They are usually seen hiding among branches of live corals (Stylophora mordax, Pocillopora elegans, P. eydouxi, or P. verrucosa). Retreats deep into the coral when approached.

Foods:
   All kinds of meaty foods from small fish and invertebrates; crustaceans.

Social Behaviors:
   Found singly on the reef with one male presiding over a territory that will include 2 to 7 females. In the ocean they are seen hiding among branches of coral.

Sex: Sexual differences:
   The male is usually larger.

Breeding/Reproduction
   Oviparous, monogamous. They exhibit typical Hawkfish courtship and spawning. See general breeding behavior for Hawkfish in the Breeding Marine Fish page.

Light: Recommended light levels:
   No special requirements.

Temperature:
   Hawkfish should be kept at temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Length/Diameter of fish:
   Flame Hawkfish or Brilliant Red Hawkfish adults can grow to 7.5 cm (3.0 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:
   A minimum 20 gallon aquarium is recommended.

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong
   Likes constantly moving well oxygenated water.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom
   Usually spends most of its' time on coral outcroppings near the bottom.

Availability:
   This fish is occasionaly available and is generally expensive. It is observed that the brilliant red color will fade in captivity.

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Latest Comments
Flame hawkfish are easy to keep and of bouyant personality. Anonymous 2008-08-31
Ahhhh ... I beg to differ ... my daughter started her very first salt aquarium ever three yrs ago, with a clown fish and a red flame hawk. They are the happiest funniest fish I have ever seen. She must just have a knack for it, seeing how I have been no help since I know nothing at all about fish. I would recommend this fish to anyone that is responsible with the tank. dixie harding 2008-03-30
The Flame Hawk is my favorite fish. I've had 6 Flame Hawks in the past. All but one jumped out of my tank. Sadly I was never home to save them. Because of the jumping I've stopped buying Flame Hawks that was until last week. I was at the pet shop saw the cutest little Flame Hawk swushing about the tank. I paid alot of money for the fish and am sad to say I think this Flame Hawk is not going to live long. IT IS NOT EATING. It doesn't seem to be afraid in the tank. Its swimming all about the tank and none of the other fish are bothering it. I'm feeding or trying to feed Brine Shrimp and flake food. The Flame Hawk just keeps getting hit on the head with the food. ~Sad Flame Hawk Owner Sad Flame Hawk Owner 2006-09-18
I have had my Flame Hawk for 7 years - it's true that they have a lot of personality. He is the fish that is most interested in people (I also have an Ocellaris Clown & a Cherub Angel in my 30g reef). He is not agressive toward other fish, but is assertive. He's the biggest pig at feeding time - which he thinks should be every time anyone walks past the tank. The angel definitely defers to him as the "alpha fish". I had another flame hawk prior to this one & as mentioned elsewhere here, he did manage to jump out of the tank. There was a very small opening around a plumbing tube - I have no idea how he fit through. Kim 2006-08-30
I had a flame hawk and he lived for about 8 years. These guys have some of the best personalities around. Got along well with clownfish, tangs, angel fish, fox faces, etc. After he passed away, I replaced him with an Arc-Eyed Hawk. Neither have bothered my peppermint shrimp. Pojo 2006-07-08
Some of the coolest comments:
I am just getting back into saltwater fishkeeping after about 12 years. I now live in Guam and have been able to see many of the fish I used to own in their natural environment, including this guy! The flamehawk was my favorite fish when fishkeeping. Like any fish, pay a lot of attention to the individual when purchasing. My flame hawk had a great personality and was not shy at all. He would track your movements as you walked around the room, and if you tapped your finger in a corner of the tank, he would come down to investigate. This outwardness was noticeable at the store, so choose carefully! Stephan Holland 2003-09-03
I have had no problems with my Flame Hawkfish.He has been in my tank for three months and has adapted well to frozen foods and aquariam life. john 2003-08-07

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Author: David Brough. CFS.