Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
General Description: The Freckle Faced Hawkfish, also referred to as Forster’s Hawkfish, is a widespread species throughout the Indo-Pacific, Fiji, Hawaii and Red Sea. 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 Freckle faced hawkfish, as an adult, can be quite variable in body color including deep red, pink, brown, or olive. Ventrally, Freckle faced hawkfish are white and the black or red freckles on their face remain the same throughout their lifespan. An adult Freckle faced hawkfish can reach a size of approximately 7″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Freckle faced 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 90 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. The Freckle faced hawkfish is considered one of the more aggressive hawkfish species and will project this behavior on peaceful fish introduced after it, including fish of larger size. Our experience with Freckle faced hawkfish is that they are best added as the last fish into an aquarium. Keeping a single hawkfish species per aquarium is an absolute; the Freckle faced 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). Freckle faced hawkfish are not reef safe because small invertebrates (e.g., shrimp, crabs) and fish that can fit in their mouths will 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″ or larger.
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
