Animal-World > Marine - Saltwater Fish > Hawkfishes > Falco Hawkfish

Falco Hawkfish

Dwarf Hawkfish Family: Cirrhitidae

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Cirrhitichthys falco Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   The Falco Hawkfish or Dwarf Hawkfish is one of the most commonly seen of the hawkfish. They are a very interesting fish to watch and have very intricate and colorful markings. Although hard to see in the photo, they have bright yellow tufts (typical of hawkfish) on the dorsal fin rays.

   This is a fish that doesn't get real big, only up to 2.5 inches (6 cm). The Falco Hawkfish or Dwarf Hawkfish are readily available and easy to keep.

For more Information on keeping this 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. We generally feed freeze dried krill, squid, shrimp (the same kind people eat), mussels, and all kinds of chopped up fish.

Habitat: Natural geographic location:
    Falco Hawkfish or Dwarf Hawkfish are found in the western Pacific, from the Philippines to Japan, Samoa, the Barrier Reef, and New Caldonia. They inhabit shallow coastal to outer reef flats and slopes at depths up to 45 meters.

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.

Sex: Sexual differences:
   The male is usually larger.

Breeding/Reproduction:
  Indications are that it is haremic and spawns nightly. Occasionally in pairs. Typical Hawkfish courtship and spawning behavior is seen. 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:
   Falco Hawkfish or Dwarf Hawkfish adults can grow to 6.0 cm (2.5 inches).

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

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong
   No special requirements.

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

Availability:
  This fish is readily available and is inexpensive.

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Latest Comments
I started my aquarium with a hawkfish and 2 barrier reef chromis. 2 weeks later I have no chromis but the hawkfish seems fine having the whole tank to him self, like 200 litres. Hawkfish are great and have a big personality but they just arent community fish and unless you want to waste money on replacing fish all the time and cringing when you find another dead one, I'd take the hawkfish back to the shop... OR have a tank full of hawkfish! Ellen 2009-02-05
I have had my falco hawkfish for about 10 months. Pretty cool if its the last fish that you add to your tank... EVER! It does not like new fish added to the tank, or really new crabs either. Oh, and they are pretty tough to catch too. They seem much more aggresive than most web sites make you aware of. cliff 2009-01-28
YUP MINES A KILLER! Just pulled the whole tank apart to get him out! It's a shame because I really liked the little fella, had lots of personality! Julie 2008-06-12
I purchased a Falco Hawk about a month ago. In that time I lost a Chromis, shrimp, numerous snails and what ever else he killed. Not to mentioned all of the bites my Coral Beauty and my Dragon Wrasse sustained. That last straw was when my Dragon Wrasse (Beast) wouldn't come out to eat. He now resides in the fish store. Please be careful with these guys, they can be crazy! C. Lewter 2007-12-21
My falco hawkfish named "B.A.M.F." is so awesome. When he doesnt look mad, he reminds me of a patient, yet ticked off Rambo. He looks about ready to kill a Vietnamese army with one arrow. Angrily eats ghost shrimp, but i dont know how he is with cleaners. pat 2007-09-05
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
I have been thinking about getting one of these for a while now. I thought they are very pretty and cute and fun looking fish to have...until i read all the comments on this site. Thanks to all who commented for helping me stay away from a apparently very disastrous decision! Thomas 2009-07-06
I am rather new to the saltwater hobby, (13 months),so I am still learning about new species and their compatibility. One such species I was very impressed with was the Falco Hawkfish. I enjoyed watching this fish sit on my live rock and watch his environment like a little old man. My joy lasted all of two weeks as one by one my turbo snails started to go from active tank cleaners to empty shells. Two additional weeks past and my "bad feeling" about my new pet was confirmed when my beloved cleaner shrimp disappeared. I still think the hawk was cool but, BEWARE. Please read all info on this site on compatibility BEFORE you get one, unless you will not keep ANY TYPE of snail or shrimp. David Johnson 2004-03-02
The info i got from your site was great. You told me everything i needed to know.....thanks john 2003-11-08

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Author: David Brough. CFS.