Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus) Care Guide

A vibrant, fiery red hawkfish with black markings around its eyes and dorsal fin. Perches on rocks and corals, surveying its territory like a hawk.

Overview

Neocirrhites armatus is a species in the family Cirrhitidae. A vibrant, fiery red hawkfish with black markings around its eyes and dorsal fin. Perches on rocks and corals, surveying its territory like a hawk. Hardy and disease-resistant but will eat small shrimp and very small fish. A character-rich fish with bold behavior.

Taxonomy

Family: Cirrhitidae
Genus: Neocirrhites
Scientific name: Neocirrhites armatus
Other names: Brilliant Hawkfish
Origin: Pacific Ocean

Habitat

Distributed across the tropical western and central Pacific from the Ryukyu Islands south to the Great Barrier Reef and east to French Polynesia. Inhabits exposed coral heads, predominantly Pocillopora, on outer reef slopes at depths of 1-10 m. Perches on coral branches using thickened pectoral rays.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 120 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 5-9 cm
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Tangs, Large Wrasses, Blue Chromis
Avoid with: Small Shrimp, Small Gobies

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe with caution: may opportunistically pick at small ornamental shrimps, sessile invertebrates or, in some individuals, polyps. Suitability depends on the specific reef stock.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: advanced