Flame Hawkfish

Also known as the Brilliant Hawkfish or Red Hawkfish

The Flame Hawkfish is a dazzling and bold species that brings intense coloration and spirited personality to marine aquariums. Native to the tropical Pacific Ocean, particularly around Hawaii, Johnston Atoll, and the Line Islands, this small predator features a brilliant solid red body that rivals any marine fish for visual impact. With their fiery appearance, entertaining perching behavior, and hardy nature, Flame Hawkfish make exceptional additions for intermediate aquarists seeking a vivid centerpiece for smaller reef or fish-only systems.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Neocirrhites armatus
• Common Names: Flame Hawkfish, Brilliant Hawkfish, Red Hawkfish, Scarlet Hawkfish
• Adult Size: 3–4 inches (8–10 cm); commonly 3–3.5 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial but manageable in appropriate setups
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with caution – may consume small shrimp and nano fish
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum (40+ gallons recommended)
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate – hardy and adaptable

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on coral reefs, particularly areas with abundant branching corals and rocky outcrops at depths of 3–100 feet. Typically perches on high vantage points to survey territory and ambush small prey.

Tank Environment:

• Abundant rockwork with multiple perching locations
• Branching coral structures preferred (live or artificial)
• Moderate open swimming areas
• Various perching heights for territorial establishment
• Standard reef or FOWLR setup
• Secure rockwork arrangements

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh/frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill (primary diet)
• Finely chopped seafood, fish, squid
• High-quality marine carnivore pellets (small)
• Live blackworms, copepods (occasional)
• Vitamin-enriched preparations

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 times daily
• Small portions appropriate for small size
• Readily accepts most meaty foods
• May hunt microfauna between feedings

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Clownfish, damselfish, larger gobies, blennies, wrasses (peaceful species), tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, dottybacks, anthias
• Caution with: Small fish (under 2 inches), ornamental shrimp, other hawkfish, timid species
• Avoid: Nano gobies, tiny dartfish, very small shrimp (sexy shrimp, Thor amboinensis), multiple hawkfish in small tanks

Social Behavior:

• More territorial and aggressive than longnose hawkfish
• Perches prominently on high rockwork
• Quick to dart out and capture prey
• Bold personality despite small size
• May harass new additions temporarily
• Best kept as single hawkfish in tanks under 75 gallons

Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with corals and anemones; will not harm sessile invertebrates. May consume small ornamental shrimp under 1 inch. Larger cleaner shrimp and peppermint shrimp usually safe. Safe with fish over 2.5 inches.

Color & Development

Coloration: Brilliant solid scarlet to crimson red covering entire body; black markings around eyes and on dorsal fin; cirri (hair-like extensions) above eyes rimmed in black; fins edged in black creating striking contrast; one of the most intensely red marine fish available.

Color Intensity:

• High-quality diet maintains vibrant red coloration
• Stress may cause slight color dulling
• Color remains remarkably consistent throughout life
• Black markings become more pronounced with maturity
• Excellent water quality essential for optimal color

Size & Growth:

• Juveniles typically available at 1.5–2.5 inches
• Slow growth rate due to small adult size
• Reaches full size within 12–18 months
• One of the smallest hawkfish species

Why Choose a Quarantined Flame Hawkfish?

Our quarantine protocol includes 3–4 weeks minimum observation, preventative parasite treatment, dietary conditioning to varied foods, and temperament evaluation. These stunning hawkfish combine absolutely spectacular solid red coloration with bold personality and hardy nature, making them perfect for aquarists seeking maximum visual impact in a small package. Their brilliant flame-red appearance and entertaining perching behavior make them one of the most sought-after hawkfish species, ideal as a vibrant focal point for reef and fish-only systems alike.