Flame Hawkfish (Castlenau, 1873)

 Scientific Name  Neocirrhitus armatus
 Diet  Carnivore; brine, shrimp, small fish, meaty foods
 Alt Common Name  Red hawkfish, Brilliant red hawkfish, Benigonbe (Jap. 'crimson hawkfish')
 Family  Cirrhitidae
 Origin  Pacific Ocean
 Aquarist Level  Beginner
 Reef Safe  With Caution
 Coloration Red with Black highlights
 Disposition  Peaceful except with other hawkfish and possible smaller fish.
 Hardiness  Hardy
 Compatibility  Peaceful with other species. Aggressive with own species
 Mature Size  4 inches
 Sexual Dimorphism  None visible

Recommended Supplements

Notes: Hawkfish are predators on the coral reef.  Their prey includes very small fish, shrimp, and possibly some crabs.  If these animals are housed in your reef aquarium, a hawkfish will most likely hunt these animals.  For reefs devoid of ornamental crustaceans, hawkfish make a very interesting addition.

Flame Hawkfish are known to associate with Pocillopora and Stylophora corals.