Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Arc Eye Hawkfish is a widespread species throughout the western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. Hawkfish are extremely personable and fun to watch as they “hop” and perch around the aquarium. This behavior is due to their lack of a swim bladder that would otherwise enable them to continually swim in the water column like many of their tank-mates. The Arc eye hawkfish has a orange-pink colored body with an “arc” line behind both eyes in which its named is derived. An adult Arc eye hawkfish can reach a size of approximately 5″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Arc eye hawkfish are carnivores. A diet consisting of various protein-based dried foods and frozen preparations such as brine shrimp, squid, and mysis shrimp will maintain optimal health and coloration.
Care Requirements: A minimum 55 gallon aquarium with a tight lid is ideal, as some hawkfish have been known to jump. Hawkfish enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge and perch on. Unlike some other hawkfish species, the Arc eye hawkfish is considered aggressive and will project this behavior on more peaceful fish introduced after it including fish of larger size. Keeping a single hawkfish species per aquarium is an absolute; the Arc eye hawkfish is intolerable of other hawkfish species. Additionally, hawkfish can sometimes harass other fish that behave similarily (i.e., other fish that lack swim bladders such as blennies). Arc eye hawkfish are to be added into a reef aquarium “with caution” because small invertebrates (e.g., shrimp, crabs) and fish could become prey. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 1″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3″; Large: 3″ to 5″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
