Blackside Hawkfish (Paracirrhites forsteri) Care Guide
Paracirrhites forsteri is a variably coloured Indo-Pacific hawkfish that perches on branching coral and ambushes small fishes and crustaceans.
Overview
Paracirrhites forsteri, the blackside or freckled hawkfish, is a marine fish of the family Cirrhitidae. It is an ambush predator that rests on coral heads and outermost coral branches. Its colour is highly variable, generally with a broad dark lateral band on the rear body and red speckling on the head. FishBase records a maximum total length of 22.0 cm, with a common length of 18.0 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cirrhitidae
- Genus: Paracirrhites
- Scientific name: Paracirrhites forsteri
- Described by Schneider in 1801
Habitat
The species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian, Line, Marquesan and Ducie islands, north to southern Japan and south to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands. It inhabits clear lagoon and seaward reefs and tends to perch on the outermost branches of Stylophora, Pocillopora and Acropora corals. FishBase gives a depth range of 0 to 35 m, usually 5 to 35 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (about 53 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness / GH range: 8-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
Paracirrhites forsteri is carnivorous, with a FishBase trophic level of 4.3. It feeds mainly on small fishes and crustaceans, sometimes on shrimps. In captivity it accepts meaty marine foods offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
This bottom-perching, semi-aggressive species does not school. It is best housed with robust tankmates such as tangs, wrasses and triggers. As an ambush predator it threatens ornamental shrimp, small invertebrates and very small fish, which should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is a protogynous (sequential) hermaphrodite, living solitarily, in pairs or in small harems; the largest female transforms into a male when the dominant male leaves. Reproduction involves distinct pairing with spawning ascents of 1.0 to 2.5 m. Captive breeding is regarded as expert-level.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2015).