HAWK – GEOMETRIC PYGMY Plectranthias inermis

$89.99

The Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish, also known as the Hifin Perchlet, is restricted to the rubble zones of the Indo-Pacific around Cebu. Given this limited distribution and cryptic behavior, the Geometric pygmy hawk is infrequently available. There are a couple of things that may come as a surprise to hobbyists about this little fish. First, this fish is somewhat of a conundrum; it is closely related to Anthias [its genus, Plectranthias, contains this epithet] but behaviorally and resemblance, the Geometric pygmy hawk does indeed appear hawkfish-like. And second, while small, the Geometric pygmy hawk is a predator. 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 Geometric pygmy hawk has a white body with a mottled red pattern, and a long ray on its dorsal fin. An adult Geometric pygmy hawk can reach a size of approximately 2″.

Out of stock

Description

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

General Description: The Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish, also known as the Hifin Perchlet, is restricted to the rubble zones of the Indo-Pacific around Cebu. Given this limited distribution and cryptic behavior, the Geometric pygmy hawk is infrequently available. There are a couple of things that may come as a surprise to hobbyists about this little fish. First, this fish is somewhat of a conundrum; it is closely related to Anthias [its genus, Plectranthias, contains this epithet] but behaviorally and resemblence, the Geometric pygmy hawk does indeed appear hawkfish-like. And second, while small, the Geometric pygmy hawk is a predator. 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 Geometric pygmy hawk has a white body with a mottled red pattern, and a long ray on its dorsal fin. An adult Geometric pygmy hawk can reach a size of approximately 2″.

Diet Requirements: In the wild Geometric pygmy hawkfish are carnivores. A diet consisting of various proteins and frozen preparations such as brine shrimp, calanus and mysis shrimp will maintain optimal health and coloration.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 15 to 20 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; the Geometric pygmy hawk is often found associated with Plate Corals in the wild (Fungia sp.). Keep a single Geometric pygmy hawk per aquarium; Hawkfish can sometimes harass other fish that behave similarily (i.e., other fish that lack swim bladders such as blennies). A Geometric pygmy hawk would make an excellent addition to a reef aquarium, keeping in mind to avoid extremely small shrimp species. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1″ to 1-1/2″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.

Shipping & Delivery

Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.

For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.