Flame Hawk Fish

The Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus) is a hardy, semi‑aggressive, perch‑dwelling reef fish known for its vivid red coloration, bold personality, and unique “perching” behavior. It thrives in tanks with ample rockwork and is best suited for intermediate aquarists. 🐠 Species Identity • Scientific name: Neocirrhites armatus • Common names: Flame Hawkfish, Red Hawkfish, Brilliant Hawkfish • Adult size: 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) • Lifespan: 5–10 years in captivity 🎨 Appearance • Coloration: Bright scarlet‑red body with black markings along the dorsal region and around the eyes • Body shape: Stocky, laterally compressed; enlarged pectoral fins for “walking” on rockwork • Key trait: Reduced swim bladder, causing the species to perch rather than swim continuously 🌍 Natural Habitat • Range: Western & Central Pacific — Fiji, Marshall Islands, Cook Islands, Polynesia • Environment: Shallow surge‑zone reef tops with dense SPS coral and high oxygenation • Behavior in the wild: Ambush predator that wedges into coral branches and watches for prey 🧠 Behavior & Temperament • Temperament: Semi‑aggressive, especially toward small fish or shrimp that may be viewed as prey • Personality: Perches like a “sentinel,” observing the tank and making short, deliberate hops between rocks • Reef‑safe: With caution — safe with corals but may eat small ornamental shrimp 🏡 Aquarium Requirements • Minimum tank size: 30 gallons • Aquascape: • Plenty of live rock for perching and hiding • Flat ledges or branching structures for elevated perches • Water parameters: • 72–80°F, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.020–1.026 • Special notes: • Needs a secure lid — known jumper when startled 🍽️ Diet • Type: Carnivore • Wild diet: Small crustaceans and benthic invertebrates • Captive diet: • Mysis shrimp • Brine shrimp • Chopped seafood • Marine carnivore blends • Occasional ghost shrimp as enrichment • Feeding behavior: Fast, aggressive feeder; ensure timid tankmates get food 🪸 Compatibility • Good tankmates: Wrasses, tangs, larger gobies, anthias • Use caution with: Small fish, nano gobies, and all ornamental shrimp • Best kept: Solo — can be territorial with other hawkfish