How old is a 3-inch Longnose Hawkfish

[beehive124]

Does anyone know a ballpark age for a 3 inch longnose hawk?

 

[i cant think]

Does anyone know a ballpark age for a 3 inch longnose hawk?

Depends, if under the right conditions they can grow fast but if under the wrong conditions they can grow rather slowly. Food is one of the conditions, how much is it getting?

 

[Zionas]

I would say 1-2 years old but that’s really just my gut feeling more than anything else. Sometimes we just don’t know as not all wild fish reach their listed maximum size. I know a few who’ve kept Flame Hawks for over a decade and they got to 2.5” or so, about two-thirds of the maximum “possible” size of 3.5” and they never really grew (as far as the owners could see) in those years.

 

[nereefpat]

I would guess at least a couple years. Although I don't know how old they are already when they come in at a skinny 2 inches.

 

[i cant think]

If I had to guess, I’d also say around the 1-2 year old mark. This is just due to the growth rates seen in other fish, however most of the time in captivity, a fish will only get 80% of its max size that is recorded.

 

[Zionas]

Surprising you say a couple years. I wonder if they don’t really get that big and the 5” listed on FishBase was an anomaly.

 

[beehive124]

Thanks guys! I just got him from my lfs yesterday. I like to get smaller fish because they are younger and live longer (usually). When I got this guy I was shocked how big he was (my lfs ordered it for me and I took it straight from the shipping box). I fed him mysis, but he didn't eat much, not too concerned about that. To my knowledge he is wild caught, so he probably got as big as he did in the wild over the course of however many years. Glad to hear he's only a couple years old! I love getting the most life out of my fish as possible :)

 

[Dani305]

Where are the PICS!?!

 

[beehive124]

Where are the PICS!?!

I'll get one this afternoon! It's a really gorgeous fish!

 

[Dani305]

I'll get one this afternoon! It's a really gorgeous fish!

Yes I agree. I think I am going to get one today. The LFS next to my job has like 4 of them!

 

[Zionas]

Nice species, tight competition between this one and a Flame although the more exotic Hawkfish are interesting too.

 

[Dani305]

Nice species, tight competition between this one and a Flame although the more exotic Hawkfish are interesting too.

I think both flame and long nose are stunning.

brb googling exotic hawkfish !

 

[Zionas]

Sure lol! Lyretail Hawkfish are kinda interesting. Also the Golden Hawkfish.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I got this goober as a 2" runt. It's been with me for 5+ years and measures just at 4" its been at that 4" number for a few years now, I cant see it getting any bigger.

 

[Zionas]

Nice one. Hope you have it for 10 more years (maybe more) lol.

 

[beehive124]

Online it says longnose hawks only live 5-7 years. I assume they live longer in captivity

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Nice one. Hope you have it for 10 more years (maybe more) lol.

One can hope, but they usually age out 6-10 years in captivity.

 

[beehive124]

5-7 years in the wild*

 

[beehive124]

One can hope, but they usually age out 6-10 years in captivity.

Ahh I see

 

[Dani305]

Sure lol! Lyretail Hawkfish are kinda interesting. Also the Golden Hawkfish.

I saw a golden one online. So pretty. My LFS had a white one, but I passed on it for the red flame.