Neocirrhites armatus 5-7 cm

Neocirrhites armatus: the Flame Hawkfish, Lively and Observant

The Neocirrhites armatus, nicknamed the Flame Hawkfish, is a fascinating reef fish due to its behavior and flamboyant coloration. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, this fish primarily lives near coral reefs exposed to currents. It favors branching corals where it perches to observe its environment, sometimes for hours on end, without moving.

The Flame Hawkfish is distinguished by its bright red body, adorned with a characteristic black stripe along the dorsal fin. Measuring between 5 and 7 cm at purchase, it can reach 10 cm as an adult. Like all members of the Cirrhitidae family, it adopts a sedentary behavior, preferring to observe from a perch rather than active swimming.

A Discreet but Territorial Behavior

The Neocirrhites armatus is a solitary and territorial fish. It is highly discouraged to keep it with other hawkfish, as this could lead to aggressive behavior. However, it is not very confrontational towards other species in the reef tank, as long as they do not disturb its perch.

This fish appears fearful when young, especially when faced with more active tankmates. It gains confidence over time, once a well-defined territory is established. Nevertheless, it is not advisable to keep it with very small shrimp like Lysmata amboinensis or Thor amboinensis, which it might hunt.

A Well-Circulated and Well-Oxygenated Aquarium

To keep a Neocirrhites armatus healthy, a minimum volume of 300 liters is required, with strong water circulation and well-oxygenated water. These conditions replicate its natural habitat exposed to ocean currents.

The setup should include numerous branching corals, live rocks, and overhangs, offering natural perches for observing its environment. It is essential to provide it with a hiding spot where it will feel secure, especially during acclimation.

An Opportunistic Carnivore

The Flame Hawkfish is a carnivore that enjoys:

• Artemia, mysis, and krill, live or thawed,
• Small pieces of fish or shrimp provided with tweezers,
• Sinking protein pellets, once accustomed to dry food.

It is advisable to feed it once or twice a day. Its diet should remain rich in meat, but portioned, to avoid excess and respect its natural ambush hunting rhythm.

A Remarkable Red Hawkfish for a Structured Reef

The Neocirrhites armatus is a discreet and elegant observation fish. Its brilliant red color, contrasted by a black spiny dorsal, makes it a remarkable inhabitant in well-thought-out reef tanks. It offers a unique touch of color and behavior without disturbing the tank's harmony.

It is recommended for intermediate to advanced aquarists, capable of providing it with a stable, well-circulated, and structured environment. The Flame Hawkfish will then become a peaceful and charismatic resident of the reef, provided it is not subjected to excessive food or territorial competition.