Hawkfish info please!

[BestMomEver]

Against my own advice, I purchased a Arc Eye Hawkfish without doing much research. Basically, I checked to make sure my tank was large enough for him when he grew bigger. The LFS guy said he’d be fine in my tank... yes, I know....I am now as much an idiot as the LFS guy. Long story short, I had a little insomnia last night and started reading. Seams as though these guys love shrimp and crabs. But their favorite snack is anemones and this guy is going into anemone/Clown dominant tank!

So.... have any of you guys successfully kept a hawkfish with anemones or should I just return it?

 

[eatbreakfast]

Hawkfish don't bother anemones.

 

[tdileo]

Hawk fish have evolved to be predators of shrimp. However, they will not do anything to anemones at all.

 

[mtfish]

When you say anemones, which type? They won't look twice at one, but hawkfish do perch and would have a bigger chance of becoming lunch for something like a carpet anemone.

 

[BestMomEver]

Ok cause everything I’ve read says they eat them. Maybe they were trying to say anemone shrimp and not shrimp and anemones!

 

[BestMomEver]

When you say anemones, which type? They won't look twice at one, but hawkfish do perch and would have a bigger chance of becoming lunch for something like a carpet anemone.

I have Haddoni and BTAs. The Haddoni are heavily guarded by a pair of Clarkii though. I don’t think he’ll get in them.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Ok cause everything I’ve read says they eat them. Maybe they were trying to say anemone shrimp and not shrimp and anemones!

Can you link where this is being said? I've never heard this or encountered it.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Ok cause everything I’ve read says they eat them. Maybe they were trying to say anemone shrimp and not shrimp and anemones!

Can you link where this is being said? I've never heard this or encountered it.

 

[BellaD]

According to LiveAquaria you actually understood correctly. Unless they did a typo.

LiveAquaria Info - "The Arc Eye Hawkfish, also known as Arc-Eyed Hawkfish, has an orange colored body with a white horizontal bar on the back half. The operculum and eyes have the most distinctive markings, with an alternating blue and bright orange pattern.

A 30 gallon or larger aquarium provides a good environment. It should be the last fish introduced into the tank community. It becomes very territorial, and will harass new additions to the tank including other hawkfish and larger fish. If placed in a reef aquarium, the Arc Eye Hawkfish will eat crabs, shrimp, anemones, and smaller fish.

The diet should consist of a variety of marine meats and live feeder shrimp."

I've never personally had this type of Hawkfish, so I can't really say from personal experience. I presently have a Blood Red Hawkfish in my 55 Gallon reef tank.

 

[BestMomEver]

According to LiveAquaria you actually understood correctly. Unless they did a typo.

LiveAquaria Info - "The Arc Eye Hawkfish, also known as Arc-Eyed Hawkfish, has an orange colored body with a white horizontal bar on the back half. The operculum and eyes have the most distinctive markings, with an alternating blue and bright orange pattern.

A 30 gallon or larger aquarium provides a good environment. It should be the last fish introduced into the tank community. It becomes very territorial, and will harass new additions to the tank including other hawkfish and larger fish. If placed in a reef aquarium, the Arc Eye Hawkfish will eat crabs, shrimp, anemones, and smaller fish.

The diet should consist of a variety of marine meats and live feeder shrimp."

I've never personally had this type of Hawkfish, so I can't really say from personal experience. I presently have a Blood Red Hawkfish in my 55 Gallon reef tank.

This is what scares me.... and I found this same info everywhere. Maybe it’s just this species... also, the aggression may be an issue...

 

[eatbreakfast]

I have kept that species on numerous occassions with anemones, they do not bother them. Arc eyes are more territorial than flame and longnose hawkfish, but again, they do not eat anemones.

 

[BestMomEver]

I have kept that species on numerous occassions with anemones, they do not bother them. Arc eyes are more territorial than flame and longnose hawkfish, but again, they do not eat anemones.

Are they as aggressive as people say?

 

[eatbreakfast]

Are they as aggressive as people say?

I don't think they are too bad. I would classify them as semi aggressive. So they will be less problematic in larger tanks.

 

[mort]

That's the first time I've ever seen it mentioned that they eat anemones and it's complete tosh. I think semi aggressive is correct as they can stand up for themselves but usually don't go looking for a fight with anyone unless they invade their territory.

 

[BestMomEver]

Thanks guys. I made the tough decision to return him. I hadn’t heard anyone ever mention a hawk eating an anemone either but I have six anemones in this tank and I just can’t risk it. Also, I have two really little Clarkii clowns and a even smaller cherub angel. Aggression just can’t happen. I know there’s no guarantee that everyone in this tank will grow up and get along, but I think my chances are better without the hawk. When I went back to the LFS, I picked up a teeny tiny Midas Blenny. He is currently sitting on top of a rock with his back end down in a hole. He’s adorable!

 

[Baldguy]

Among the Reef also says they may eat anemone's. Seems some sites say they do and others don't.

 

[eatbreakfast]

They DO NOT eat anemones. I have no idea why this is being bandied about. Just look at their dentition, it is for skewering prey, not nipping at anemones.

Also, an arc eye is less aggressive than clarkii clowns. But I suppose peace of mind has some value.

 

[Eva Rose]

Well you have to go with what makes you feel content. You will love the Midas!

A general note on Hawkfish temperament. Fit the species to your tank.
I often read where people are afraid of them because of the semi-aggressive or aggressive label. But personally I will always have a Hawkfish in my tank. They look like a living cartoon. Hawkfish are a boisterous fish. Since hawks are curious fish, they are often front & center. Stock timid or smaller fish before the hawkfish so they establish territory. Anyone wanting a hawkfish can post your stocking list on R2R & get suggestions for the best species for your tank.

Flame Hawks & Longnose Hawks are a great choice for peaceful tanks. You can even house these together.

Other hawkfish that are more territorial (as mentioned) are the Pixy and the Arc. But that does not mean that these hawkfish will ever give you any problems. I had a Pixy Hawk (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus) for years. It was everyone’s absolute favorite fish in the tank. Mine would let all new additions know he was in the tank, but it was just posturing (no nipping etc). He would do this for a day or two & then ignore that fish. My pixy never touched a snail or crab.

Personally the only hawkfish I have heard being rehomed due to aggression are the Japanese Golden Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys aureus). Showy fish but very pricey. I’ve seen about 3 cases of owners selling this species due to aggressiveness to fish. But I don’t know the conditions (tank size/tank mates) they were housed in.

Hawks love to perch. Pop a gorgonian in the tank or other perches and they will love it. I place numerous perches in different areas in the tank.

So happy for you @BestMomEver on your Midas, they are great blennies!
But anyone wanting a hawkfish, ask a R2R staff member for a good fit for your tank.

 

[michael lyons]

I have had a flame hawkfish in a 29g tank with my fire shrimp for about 6 mths the shrimp was in the tank first and had no problem at all they actually hang out by the same rock cave together,and i also have a small anemone and the hawkfish never has gone by it or bothered it as far as i have seen(but they all act different you never know)

 

[michael lyons]

My question for you would be what fish can the hawkfish get along with? and if he did decide to eat my shrimp (hopefully not) what could you get to clean your tank in-place of shrimp that the hawk would not eat or go after?