Hawkfish are loved for their character and personality and this dwarf species, Cirrhitichthys falco, might just be the perfect fish for your reef tank! Find out how to care for it.
The falco hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys falco) is a small, characterful marine fish that has become increasingly popular among reef aquarists. Known for its watchful behaviour and habit of perching on rocks, this species brings plenty of personality to reef tanks.
Also called the dwarf hawkfish, this species is well suited to smaller reef systems than some other hawkfish. In this guide we’ll cover where Falco hawkfish come from, their behaviour, and how to care for them successfully in the home aquarium.
All photos by Shutterstock
What is a Falco Hawkfish?
The falco hawkfish belongs to the family Cirrhitidae. The family is famous for sitting motionless while observing their surroundings much like birds of prey, which is where their name comes from.
Falco hawkfish grow to around 7cm (2.8") in length, making them one of the smaller hawkfish species available. They are typically cream to pale pink in colour, covered in a pattern of reddish-brown bars and spots. They also have distinctive tufts on their dorsal fin spines.
Their large eyes and alert posture give them a curious and engaging appearance making them a hit with aquarists, divers and underwater photographers.
Dwarf hawkfish Fact File
Scientific name: Cirrhitichthys falco
Size: Up to 7cm (2.8")
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Habitat: Shallow reefs often perching on corals or rocky outcrops surveying the reef.
Tank size: 60x45x45cm (24x18x18")
Temperament: Semi-aggressive, can bully peaceful and small tank mates, especially those added after the hawkfish. Also, they are predatory so small shrimp and fish are likely to be eaten if they fit in their mouths.
Feeding: A small predator, ambushing small crustaceans and other zooplankton that drifts over the reef. Offer a mix of frozen and prepared foods multiple times a day.
Availability & cost: Not the most common hawkfish species, expect to pay around £25 for a small individual.
Related article: Marine fish with character.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
Falco hawkfish are native to the Indo-Pacific. They occur across shallow coral reef systems from the Maldives to Samoa, and from the Great Barrier Reef to Japan
They spend much of their time perched on corals, rubble, or rocky outcrops, waiting for small crustaceans or other passing prey items. You should try to replicate this natural behaviour in captivity, more on this later.
Related article: Back to saltwater: starting simple with beginner corals.
Aquarium Requirements for Dwarf Hawkfish
Despite their small size, falco hawkfish benefit from a good sized reef aquarium as it provides more stable water quality. Larger fish tanks also have more places to perch, which these fishes will appreciate.
Minimum tank size:
A tank of around 125 litres (27 gal) is a good starting point as this will give stability and multiple perch options although larger will be appreciated.
Aquascaping:
Provide plenty of live rock structures, coral branches, or ledges where the fish can perch and observe its surroundings. If the hawkfish takes a liking to perching on one particular coral, it may irritate it over time. Therefore, it is a good idea to have the best vantage points free from coral to encourage them to perch on the rock instead.
Hawkfish rarely swim continuously, like many other reef species, and instead prefer to hop between vantage points. This is partly why smaller aquariums can work, as a 7cm (2.8") active midwater fish would need larger aquariums.
Water parameters:
Being a reef dwelling species, this species will thrive under the usual saltwater aquarium parameters:
- Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)
- Salinity: 1.023–1.025
- pH: 8.1–8.4
Of course, like with all fish, ammonia and nitrite need to be undetectable.
Temperament and Tank Mates
Hawkfish are generally considered semi-aggressive, but the falco hawk is one of the most peaceful options. Smaller species, especially if added after the hawkfish, may get tormented, however.
Fishes of a similar size that are bold enough to hold their own will make good tank mates.
Possible tank mate options include:
- clownfish
- gobies (excluding the nano species)
- blennies
- wrasses
- small tangs
- Dwarf angelfish (although may nip some corals!)
However, in the wild they prey on crustaceans. So it stands to reason that small ornamental shrimp will be eaten if they are also in the tank. Best to avoid stocking something like a sexy shrimp, and instead get another small nano reef dedicated to them!
Related article: Marine starter fish to avoid.
Feeding Falco Hawkfish
As we just mentioned, falco hawkfish are carnivorous micro-predators in the wild, feeding on small crustaceans and zooplankton. This is fairly easy to replicate in captivity utilising frozen and live foods like mysis, krill and brine shrimp.
Feed once or twice daily, ensuring food pieces are small enough for their relatively modest mouth size. They may well accept prepared foods already, but if not they will likely learn to accept things like pellet foods over time.
Are falco hawkfish reef safe?
As these are predators, they will eat small invertebrates, and potentially even fishes, if they fit in their mouth. This is one reason why they are often labelled as reef safe with caution. The other reason is their ability to irritate corals by sitting on them all day long, as we already touched on.
However, in a good size reef tank with plenty of perches and no small species they can be a great addition to a reef tank.
Related article: Carrying a torch for LPS corals.
Is the Falco Hawkfish Right for Your Aquarium?
For reef keepers looking for a small, hardy fish with plenty of character, this small hawkfish is an excellent option.
Its manageable size, interesting behaviour, and compatibility with most reef systems make it particularly suitable option. Just be mindful of tank mates – especially tiny shrimp and small fish– and ensure the aquarium provides plenty of perching spots.
With the right care, a falco hawkfish can become one of the most entertaining residents in your marine tank.