More info
Common Name: Flame Hawkfish
Scientific Name: Neocirrhites armatus (Castelnau, 1873)
Order: Perciformes — Family: Cirrhitidae
Distribution: Indo-Pacific — Hawaii, French Polynesia, Marshall Islands and surrounding regions. Closely associated with coral reefs.
Lifespan: 5 to 7 years
Maximum Adult Size: 9–10 cm
pH: 8.0 – 8.4 — Hardness: 8 – 12 dKH
Temperature: 24°C – 27°C
Minimum Tank Size: 150 litres, with plenty of live rock forming elevated perching areas
Reef Safe (Compatibility): Partially reef safe — safe with corals but may prey on small ornamental crustaceans.
Behaviour & Compatibility:
A territorial and solitary species with a characteristic perching behaviour, resting on rocks and corals using its pectoral fins. May be aggressive toward smaller or similar-looking fish. Best kept with medium-sized, semi-robust tankmates. Not recommended with small shrimp or crabs.
Diet:
Carnivore. Feeds on small crustaceans and fish in the wild. In captivity readily accepts frozen foods such as mysis, chopped krill and shrimp, as well as high-protein prepared foods.
Reproduction:
Oviparous and protogynous hermaphrodite. Forms harems in the wild. Breeding in captivity is rare and poorly documented, involving pelagic spawning with no parental care.
Sexual Dimorphism:
Subtle. Males are usually slightly larger and more robust. Sex change may occur depending on social structure.
Habitat & Biotope:
Shallow coral reefs with abundant rockwork, coral branches and elevated vantage points for hunting.
Etymology:
Neocirrhites refers to its relationship with the genus Cirrhites. The species name armatus means “armed”, referring to its sturdy, spiny appearance.