Falco Hawkfish - Cirrhitichthys falco

Falco Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys falco)

The Falco Hawkfish is a compact and characterful marine fish recognised for its mottled red, brown and white patterning, alert expression and distinctive habit of perching on rockwork while watching the surrounding aquarium. Rather than swimming continuously in open water, it spends much of its time resting on ledges and coral branches before making short bursts to capture food. Hardy once established and full of personality, it is well suited to mature marine aquariums, although caution is required with very small fish and ornamental crustaceans.

Common Name:
Falco Hawkfish, Dwarf Hawkfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Cirrhitichthys falco

Maximum Size:
Approximately 7 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Falco Hawkfish occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific and is associated with coral reefs, lagoons and reef slopes containing plenty of branching and rocky structure.

It typically remains close to coral heads, ledges and elevated reef surfaces, where it perches while watching for passing prey.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive

The Falco Hawkfish is generally confident and territorial around its preferred perching areas.

It usually coexists well with suitably sized marine fish but may become aggressive towards similar hawkfish or other small bottom-associated species competing for the same territory.

Diet:
Carnivore

Offer a varied diet of small meaty marine foods including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped prawn, krill and other appropriately sized marine foods.

Quality carnivore pellets may also be accepted once the fish becomes established.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 100 litres

Its compact adult size makes the Falco Hawkfish suitable for smaller marine systems than many larger hawkfish, provided adequate rockwork and territory are available.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Falco Hawkfish spends much of its time perched on rockwork, coral branches or elevated ledges where it can observe the aquarium.

It frequently makes short bursts through the water to investigate food or changing activity before returning to a preferred perch.

Provide plenty of caves, overhangs and sturdy elevated structures throughout the aquarium.

A secure aquarium lid is recommended, as hawkfish can jump when startled.

Reef Safe:
With Caution

The Falco Hawkfish generally leaves corals alone and is not considered a coral-feeding species.

However, it is a natural predator of small crustaceans and may attack or consume very small shrimp, crabs or tiny fish.

For this reason, it is best considered reef safe with caution.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with substantial rockwork and several elevated perching areas.

Tankmates should be suitably sized and robust enough to tolerate the hawkfish’s territorial nature.

Very small ornamental shrimp should be considered at risk, particularly in smaller aquariums where escape opportunities are limited.

Good filtration, stable water quality and regular feeding are important for maintaining healthy body condition.

Avoid housing multiple hawkfish together unless the aquarium provides sufficient space and clearly separated territories.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.