Description
- Scientific Name: Paracirrhites forsteri
- Common Names: Freckled Hawkfish, Forster’s Hawkfish, Blackside Hawkfish
- Maximum Length: 9″
- Minimum Aquarium Size: 75 Gallon (284 liters)
- Foods & Feeding: Carnivorous – Feed daily to keep this perch-loving predator satisfied.
- Reef Safe: Yes, with caution. Generally safe with corals, but may snack on small, delicate shrimp or tiny fish. Keep an eye on ornamental invertebrates like cleaner shrimp to avoid unexpected losses.
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive with a bold personality. This hawkfish perches like a sentinel, ready to defend its territory against similar-shaped fish or new tankmates. Best paired with larger, assertive species like triggerfish or big angels that won’t be intimidated. Keep only one per tank unless you’ve got a confirmed male-female pair.
- Captive Care: The Freckled Hawkfish is a hardy, low-maintenance addition for experienced aquarists, thriving in reef or fish-only setups. Its striking red-to-brown coloration and curious, hawk-like perching make it a focal point in any tank. Provide plenty of live rock for perching and hiding, with strong water flow to mimic its natural reef habitat. Maintain stable water parameters (Temperature: 72–78°F, Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG, pH: 8.1–8.4, Hardness: 8–12 dKH) and perform 10–15% weekly water changes. Introduce it last to minimize aggression toward new arrivals.
Fun Facts
- Color-Changing Chameleon: Juveniles sport a vibrant burgundy or yellow hue, transforming into pink, brown, or olive as adults, with signature black freckles that stay constant—a natural makeover for every life stage
- Coral Perch Pro: Lacking a swim bladder, this hawkfish perches on coral branches like a bird, using thickened pectoral fins to rest. It’s a master of chilling, waiting for prey to drift by.
- Haremic Hunter: In the wild, it forms small harems with one male ruling over multiple females, patrolling its coral kingdom with territorial swagger.
