Scarlet Hawkfish

Scarlet Hawkfish

The Scarlet Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus), better known as the flame hawkfish, is one of the most desirable small marine fish — an intense, fiery red body with a black-bordered dorsal and a dark mask around the eyes. Like other hawkfish, it has no swim bladder and perches on coral and rock on its thickened pectoral fins, watching alertly before darting out to seize prey. Hardy, characterful and dazzlingly coloured, it is a favourite for reef aquariums.

Its habit of resting among branching corals is part of its charm, though its appetite for small invertebrates needs to be considered.

Natural Habitat & Origin

Neocirrhites armatus is found across the Pacific, where it perches among branching corals such as Pocillopora and Stylophora on reefs, darting out to seize small invertebrates and zooplankton. It stays close to its chosen perch, surveying the water for food.

In the aquarium it appreciates plenty of live rock and branching coral structure to perch on and shelter among.

Care Requirements

Maintain stable marine conditions: salinity around 1.024–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, and a temperature of about 24–26°C (75–79°F). Reaching only about 9 cm (3.5 inches), it suits a tank of around 75 litres (20 US gallons) or more with plenty of rockwork. A secure lid is sensible, as hawkfish can jump. It is hardy and adaptable, an easy fish for newcomers.

Diet & Feeding

The Scarlet Hawkfish is a carnivore, feeding on small crustaceans and other invertebrates in the wild. It eagerly accepts aquarium foods: offer a varied diet of frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood and quality marine pellets. Feed once or twice a day; it is an easy, enthusiastic feeder.

Behavior & Temperament

This is a semi-aggressive fish, generally peaceful but bold, that may harass much smaller or more timid tankmates and will hunt small invertebrates. It is best kept singly and added to a community of similarly sized fish. It spends its day perched, often among coral, then darting out to feed.

Tank Mates

Pair it with robust tankmates of similar size — dottybacks, hardy wrasses, tangs, clownfish and similar — rather than tiny, timid fish it might intimidate. It is coral-safe but not invertebrate-safe: it will eat ornamental shrimp, small crabs and other small mobile invertebrates, so keep it only in reefs without prized small invertebrates.

Breeding

Neocirrhites armatus is a protogynous hermaphrodite and pelagic spawner; it has been bred in captivity by dedicated hobbyists, though rearing the larvae is demanding. Most trade specimens are wild-collected.

Common Health Issues

The Scarlet Hawkfish is hardy but, like all marine fish, can be affected by marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and marine velvet (Amyloodinium ocellatum), particularly when stressed. Quarantine new arrivals, keep water quality stable, and secure the lid against jumping. Mindful of its appetite for small invertebrates, it is otherwise an easy, hardy and brilliantly coloured fish — one of the most rewarding small additions to a reef.