The Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus) is a fish that has a reddish color, are small, strong and above all very resistant for most fish tanks with coral reefs.
Thus, the vibrant color of this fish and its pleasant nature, make it a specimen much sought after by aquarists. However, like most hawkfish, it is a species that habitually lives and preys on the bottom of the tank.
In summary, this species likes to rest on top of rocks and corals, ready to attack any unsuspecting prey that swims too close.
This fish is extremely resistant to disease and is able to adapt to a wide variety of tank conditions. It can lose its vibrant red color if adequate food is not provided.
Although they have very strong pectoral fins, they are not good swimmers. However, these fish do not have a swim bladder, which would otherwise help to keep them afloat.
Apparently, they seem to push themselves through the water instead of swimming. This should be taken into account when keeping them with fast swimming fish that may see them as a potential meal.
Technical Details
Name: Flame Hawkfish
Scientific Name: Neocirrhites armatus (Castelnau, 1873)
Family: Cirrhitidae
Species Origin: Tropical reefs in the Pacific Ocean (Ryukyu Islands, Great Barrier Reef in Australia);
Length: Up to 9 cm;
Life Span: About 7 years.
Care Level: Moderate;
Water Parameters
pH: Keep the pH of the water between 8.1 – 8.4
Carbonate Hardness: Between 5 ° – 10 ° dKH
Temperature: Must be kept between 24 ° C – 28 ° C
Care
Food
Carnivore. In its natural habitat, it has predatory behavior, basing its diet on small invertebrates.
Once acclimatized, it will easily accept commercial feeds consisting of shrimp, mises and Krill. Because they are predators, these fish must be fed several times a day.
Temperament / Behavior
In short, it is a territorial fish even with others of its own species, so it is not recommended to join them in large aquariums. In fact, it’s recommended that this species be added last in the tank, because with this, species that are less territorial will have time to establish themselves in advance.
Once acclimatized, it will be very curious, active and dynamic. If you want to join them in the same reef tank, the ideal is to have 2 to 7 females per male.
See Also:
Compatibility
This species has the habit of resting at the top of the corals, watching the movement around them. When they feel threatened, they will run to the base and hide in crevices or caves.
The Flame Hawkfish gets along very well with other fish, but can be aggressive with other species that live in the bottom, that is, snails, shrimp and crabs are not ideal for living with this animal.
Reproduction / Mating
Very difficult in a controlled environment.
In their natural habitat, eggs are pelagic, while chicks are born in approximately three weeks, depending on the water temperature. It is a sequential protandric hermaphrodite species (male sexual organs are the first to reach maturity and become active.
In the process of growth, the gonads become feminine and active later. It may be monogamous or not, if several specimens are kept, a single male will coexist and the rest of the group will remain as a female.
Fish Tank Size
The aquarium needs to be at least 150L. However, you need to have lots of rocks where they can rest and corals to camouflage yourself. In addition, this camouflage behavior is due to the fact that it is a hunting fish.
References
FishLore. Aquarium Fish Information Available at: https://www.fishlore.com/saltwaterfish.htm. Accessed on September 19, 2019.
Randall, J.E., G.R. Allen and R.C. Steene, 1990. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 506 p. (Ref. 2334)
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