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Hawkfish
Most hawkfish are ambush predators, feeding on shrimp and other small crustaceans. In the aquarium, they are usually found sitting on rocks and hopping around on the sand. Their front fins are adapted for sitting on objects, rather than swimming, giving them a unique “tripod” appearance. Most are very intelligent with good eyesight and recognize familiar faces.
Like most fish, individuals can have widely differing personalities. Due to this, we take certain precautions before adding hawks. Even so, it is not uncommon for hawks to be secret bullies. After adding your hawk, we ask that you observe the tank carefully for the next few weeks to ensure that everyone is getting along. We also caution against adding hawks to a tank with shrimp, since they do naturally prey on crustaceans.
Generally, hawks do not get along with other hawks. In smaller tanks, we recommend only keeping one individual. In larger tanks, it is possible to keep two individuals as long as they are different species.
Flame Hawk
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
Flame Hawks may not be as ornately colored or patterned as their cousins, but these are easily our favorite hawk. Over all, they are the most peaceful and outgoing and like to watch the world from high vantage points, sometimes upside-down. If anyone comes close, they will swim to the front of the tank to say hello (and beg for treats!).
Falco Hawk
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
A more aggressive hawk, Falcos are generally recommended for tougher neighborhoods. While they can live in communities, we try to avoid it. That said, they are a lovely fish and incredibly hardy. Their “tassels” will wiggle in the current and those smart little eyes will follow you around the room. When it’s feeding time, they’ll be the first to know and the last to leave.
Longnose Hawk
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
The classic himself! Longnose Hawks are the poster child for all hawkfish with their long beaks and distinguished checkerboard pattern. Being one of the larger, more aggressive, and more delicate hawks we keep, they are less common in our tanks and not usually recommended. If your tank is suitable however, they are a very unique addition and will definitely draw the eye.
Pygmy Hawk
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
The Pygmy Hawk or Highfin Perchlet has the same trademark behavior of a hawkfish, without the aggression and wrapped up in a tiny package. At a whopping adult size of 2 inches, they're perfect for small tanks with peaceful neighbors. That said, they shouldn't be kept in large tanks or with aggressive tankmates where they can get lost or out-competed.