| Scientific Name | Paracirrhites forsteri |
| Common Names | Freckled Hawkfish, Forster’s Hawkfish, Blackside Hawkfish |
| Max Length | 9" |
| Min Tank Size | 75 Gallon (284 liters) |
| 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. |
| Reef Safe | ⚠ With Caution |
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.
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.
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