Scarlet Hawkfish - Neocirrhites armatus

Scarlet Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus)

The Scarlet Hawkfish, Neocirrhites armatus, is a bold and colourful marine hawkfish, instantly recognised by its rich red body, darker facial markings and alert, watchful behaviour. Also commonly known as the Flame Hawkfish, this species is full of personality and is often seen perching on rockwork, coral branches or ledges while observing everything around it. Hardy, active and visually striking, it can make an excellent feature fish for mature reef or fish-only marine aquariums, provided its predatory instincts around very small tank mates are understood.

Common Name:
Scarlet Hawkfish, Flame Hawkfish, Red Hawkfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Neocirrhites armatus

Maximum Size:
Around 9 cm, making it a small but confident and territorial marine fish.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found across tropical Pacific reef regions, including areas from the Ryukyu Islands through to the Line Islands and Mangaréva, south to the Great Barrier Reef and Austral Islands, as well as parts of Micronesia. In the wild, Scarlet Hawkfish are reef-associated and are often found in shallow coral reef habitats, where they perch among coral branches, rocky ledges and reef structure while watching for passing food.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive. Scarlet Hawkfish are usually manageable in suitable marine aquariums, but they can be territorial, especially towards very small fish, timid bottom-dwellers or other perch-loving species. Best kept with peaceful to moderately robust marine fish rather than very shy or delicate tank mates.

Diet:
Carnivorous. In the wild, this species feeds on small crustaceans and other tiny reef animals. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, chopped krill, finely chopped seafood, copepod-based foods and quality carnivore marine pellets. A varied, protein-rich diet will help maintain colour, condition and natural behaviour.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical minimum of around 100 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred for mixed reef communities. Provide mature rockwork, caves, ledges and plenty of perch points.

Behaviour & Activity:
A characterful perching fish that spends much of its time resting on rockwork, coral branches or elevated ledges before darting out to take food or investigate movement. Unlike many open-water swimmers, it often uses its strong pectoral fins to prop itself in position and watch the aquarium from a chosen viewpoint. It can become bold and interactive once settled. A secure lid is recommended, as startled marine fish can jump.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
Scarlet Hawkfish are generally safe with corals and do not normally nip coral tissue or clam mantles. However, they may prey on small ornamental shrimp, tiny crabs, very small hermit crabs and small bottom-dwelling fish if the opportunity arises. They are best suited to reef aquariums where tank mates and clean-up crew are chosen carefully.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept as a single specimen unless the aquarium is large and a confirmed compatible pair is available. Avoid housing with tiny gobies, small shrimp, very delicate bottom-dwelling fish or overly timid species that may be intimidated. Provide plenty of rockwork, coral structure and high perch points so the fish can display natural behaviour. Add after very shy fish have settled, as hawkfish can quickly claim territory.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Regularly available in the marine aquarium trade, though availability can vary depending on supplier and import season

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.