Red Coral Fish

Overview

• Scientific Name: Oxycirrhites typus
• Common Names: Red Coral Fish, Longnose Hawkfish, Red Longnose Hawkfish
• Family: Cirrhitidae (Hawkfish family)
• Origin: Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, from East Africa to Hawaii

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Typically grows to about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) in length.
• Coloration: The body of the Red Coral Fish has a white base color with distinct red horizontal stripes and a checkered or lattice pattern across the body. The dorsal fin is lined with small red dots.
• Long Nose: One of its most distinctive features is its elongated snout or nose, which it uses to pick at small prey hiding in coral crevices.
• Body Shape: The fish has a slightly flattened, streamlined body with large pectoral fins that give it a perched, hawk-like appearance.

Behavior

• Temperament: Red Coral Hawkfish are generally semi-aggressive and territorial, especially toward other small fish and invertebrates. However, they are not overly aggressive and can be kept in community tanks with caution.
• Perching Behavior: One of the unique behaviors of this fish is its habit of perching on coral or rocks. They use their large pectoral fins to "perch" and stay stationary, observing their surroundings, which resembles the behavior of a hawk (hence their name).
• Activity Level: They are mostly active during the day, exploring the aquarium while frequently returning to their favorite perch.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a single Red Coral Hawkfish, though larger tanks (50+ gallons) are ideal if keeping them with other fish.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C)
  • pH Level: 8.1 to 8.4
  • Salinity: 1.020 to 1.025 (specific gravity)
  • Water Hardness: 8 to 12 dKH
• Aquarium Setup: A tank with plenty of live rock is essential, as these fish prefer to perch on rocks and coral branches. They need lots of hiding spots and overhangs, which mimic their natural coral reef environment.
• Filtration: A good filtration system and stable water conditions are crucial, as these fish are sensitive to poor water quality. Moderate water flow is recommended to mimic their natural habitat.
• Lighting: Standard reef lighting is sufficient, as the fish does not require specialized lighting conditions.

Diet

• Feeding: Red Coral Hawkfish are carnivores and prefer a diet of meaty foods.
  • Live or frozen foods such as shrimp, mysis shrimp, krill, and small crustaceans are ideal.
  • They will also eat small fish and other invertebrates if housed with them, so take care when choosing tank mates.
  • They can be fed pellets or flakes as a supplement, but they thrive best on a varied, protein-rich diet.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, ensuring that the food reaches them before more aggressive eaters in the tank consume it.

Breeding

• Reproduction: In the wild, Longnose Hawkfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they can change sex from female to male. Males are generally larger and more dominant.
• Breeding in Captivity: Breeding Red Coral Hawkfish in captivity is rare, and specific conditions are required. The fish will lay eggs, which float in the water column until hatching. However, they are not known to exhibit parental care.
• Pairing: If attempting to breed, a larger tank with ample hiding spots and a bonded pair of hawkfish is necessary. They are pelagic spawners, meaning they release their eggs into the water column.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Red Coral Hawkfish can be kept in community tanks but are best suited for tanks with medium to large fish that are not easily intimidated. Suitable tank mates include:
  • Clownfish
  • Tangs
  • Wrasses
  • Dwarf angels
• Caution with Invertebrates: Due to their carnivorous nature, they may prey on small fish, shrimp, or other small invertebrates, so avoid housing them with these.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: In captivity, with proper care, the Red Coral Fish can live for 5 to 7 years or more.

Care Requirements

• Water Quality: Red Coral Fish are sensitive to fluctuating water conditions, so stable and high-quality water parameters are crucial. Regular water changes (10-15% weekly) and maintaining proper salinity and pH levels are important.
• Health: They are generally hardy fish but may suffer from common marine diseases like ich or marine velvet if stressed or kept in poor water conditions. Quarantine new fish and monitor for any signs of disease.

Interesting Facts

1. Hawk-like Behavior: The Red Coral Fish gets its name from its behavior of perching on coral and "hunting" for small prey, similar to how a hawk watches for prey from a tree.
2. Coral-Associated: In the wild, they are closely associated with gorgonian corals and branching stony corals, which they use for shelter and protection.
3. Carnivorous Nature: Despite their peaceful appearance, these fish are efficient predators that use their long snouts to pick at small prey hiding in coral crevices.
4. Color Variations: While red and white is the most common coloration, some Longnose Hawkfish display orange or yellowish hues, depending on their environment.
5. Sex Change Capability: Red Coral Fish are hermaphrodites, capable of changing sex from female to male, a fascinating adaptation seen in many marine species.