Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Caribbean Redspotted Hawkfish, or Redspotted Hawk for short, is found in the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. A typical hawkfish species in most regards, but the tiny and dazzling red dots on this hawk’s face give it an added charm. 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 Redspotted hawk is very hardy, but can be somewhat aggressive and should not be added too prematurely into an aquarium or kept with small or very timid fish. An adult Redspotted hawkfish can reach a size of approximately 3-1/2″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Redspotted 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. A Redspotted hawk would thrive with tank mates that have a similar temperament, are bold, and active. Keeping a single hawkfish species per aquarium is an absolute; the Redspotted 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). The Redspotted hawkfish is to be added into a reef aquarium “with caution” because invertebrates (e.g., shrimp, crabs) will likely become prey. Otherwise, they make generally good reef inhabitants. 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 4″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
