Pixy Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus) Care Guide
Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus is a widely distributed Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific hawkfish that perches on coral and preys on crustaceans and small fishes.
Overview
Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus is a marine hawkfish described by Bleeker in 1855, with a white body marked by red-orange blotches. It is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific. Common names include the pixy hawkfish, coral hawkfish and sharp-headed hawkfish; the specific name refers to the fish's pointed snout.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cirrhitidae
- Genus: Cirrhitichthys
- Scientific name: Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus (Bleeker, 1855)
Habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea south to East London (South Africa) and east to the Marquesas Islands, plus the Eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California to Colombia and the Galapagos Islands. FishBase records it as reef-associated at depths of 1 to 40 m, usually 10-25 m, in tropical water of 24-28 °C. It rests on, in or beneath hard or soft corals and sponges, lacking a swimbladder and hopping from perch to perch.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness equivalent: 8-12 °dH
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
It is a carnivore that ambushes and feeds on crustaceans and small fishes from its perch. In the aquarium it accepts meaty foods offered twice daily.
Compatibility
The pixy hawkfish is semi-aggressive and bottom-perching, with males being territorial and haremic. Reported suitable tankmates include tangs, wrasses and triggerfish. Because it preys on small invertebrates, it should not be housed with ornamental shrimp, small inverts or very small fish.
Breeding
It is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals begin as females, and some change to males upon maturity. Males maintain harems, and spawning involves a pelagic ascent into the water column. Captive breeding is considered expert-level.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 3 March 2015.