Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Pixy or Spotted Hawkfish has a striking geometric red pattern, but this makes them nearly invisible on the reefs of Indonesia. Why you ask? The reason being is that the color red, having the longest wavelength, is absorbed by water first. This leaves the hawkfish appearing mostly white, which blends in seemlessly with the environment even in plain sight. 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 Pixy hawk is very hardy, but aggressive and should not be added too prematurely into an aquarium or kept with small fish whatsoever. An adult Pixy hawkfish can reach a size of approximately 3″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Pixy 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 skittish hawkfish species, the Pixy hawkfish is aggressive for its size and will project this behavior on more peaceful fish introduced after it, including fish of larger size that are not aggressive enough to hold their own. Keeping a single hawkfish species per aquarium is an absolute; the Pixy 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 Pixy hawkfish is to be added into a reef aquarium “with caution” because invertebrates (e.g., shrimp, crabs), and even smaller fish, will likely become prey. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: 1″ to 2-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
