Thoughts on Hawkfish?

19frank90 · Mar 30, 2018

My wife saw a Hawkfish at the LFS a couple weekends back (it was either a long nose or falco, can’t remember which).

I’m debating getting it kind of as a surprise; HOWEVER, it’s the end of the month and if I want to afford my hobby I have to get in as much lawyering in as possible so I need some help with research/opinions because I’m pressed for time.

Tank specs:
Biocube 29
Ocellaris Clowns x2
Royal Gramma
Starry Blenny
Several corals (zoas, duncan, montipora)

I’ve run the tank with five fish before (had a wrasse that I had to remove from the tank) with no apparent issues, looking for opinions on adding a hawkfish as I’ve heard they can be temperamental.

Thanks

mahindra.dev · Mar 30, 2018

I have a Long nose. He is cool. Does not mess with any inverts. Always perched on rocks. Super personality. I have a JBJ 45 with 7 Fish. I think if you have enough Rock work he should be fine as your final Fish.

mahindra.dev · Mar 30, 2018

Forgot to add pic:

Brian1f1 · Mar 30, 2018

I think your pushing it a little, but I agree that a long nose is the best option if you do it.

Scurvy · Mar 30, 2018

I have a Falme hawk in my biocube who's one of 5 fish without issue. Awesome fish with great personality. I also have a bonded pair of Long nose in another system with a small wrasse. They get along just fine.

Florida Sunshine · Mar 30, 2018

I love my flame hawkfish, but they absolutely require a lid of some sort on the tank. I can't count the times I picked him up off of the floor before finally covering the tank.

ReeferBean · Mar 30, 2018

They are on the aggressive side in my experience.

eatbreakfast · Mar 30, 2018

Some species are more aggressive than others, but in any of the tanks I have personally had and in all the tanks I take care of, flame and longnoses have always been well behaved.

I have had starry blennies take issue with hawkfish though.