Cirrhitichthys aureus

Datasheet

General Description

The Yellow Hawkfish, scientifically known as Cirrhitichthys aureus, belongs to the Cirrhitidae family. Native to the Indo-West Pacific region, specifically from India to Sagami Bay, Japan, and China, with a recent sighting in southern Indonesia. These vibrant fish have an eye-catching yellow hue and are also referred to as Golden Hawkfish.

Aquarium Suitability

Categorized as suitable with care, the Yellow Hawkfish can be challenging to keep due to its aggressive temperament. They pose a threat to smaller fish and crustaceans, making them unsuitable tank mates. While they can be housed in smaller tanks, it is advisable to provide ample space and hiding spots to reduce their aggressive tendencies.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Despite being hardy, Yellow Hawkfish require specific care to thrive in captivity. They prefer stable water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a salinity between 1.020-1.025. Regular feeding, sufficient hiding spots, and a well-structured aquarium setup can help mitigate their aggressive behavior.

Reef Suitability

Reef compatibility with caution is advised when keeping Yellow Hawkfish in a reef tank. Their predatory nature may make them a threat to other reef inhabitants, especially small crustaceans. Careful monitoring is necessary to maintain harmony in a reef environment.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Yellow Hawkfish involves providing adequate space and hiding places, such as live rocks, to simulate their natural habitat. A tank size of at least 150 liters is recommended to accommodate their territorial behavior. Ensuring water quality and a stress-free environment is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

Yellow Hawkfish are known for their fun and interesting personalities. They exhibit a stationary behavior while waiting for food, making them suitable for observation in smaller aquariums. However, their aggressive tendencies towards other species require careful consideration when selecting tank mates.

Feeding and Diet

These carnivorous fish have a diverse diet consisting of larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, supplemented with smaller crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia. Providing a varied diet rich in protein is essential for their nutritional needs and overall health.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Yellow Hawkfish exhibit hermaphroditic behavior, with females transitioning into males as needed within a social group. Maintaining a balanced gender ratio is essential to prevent territorial disputes and aggression among tank mates.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Yellow Hawkfish are found in the East Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and New Zealand. They prefer rocky areas with ample hiding spots to seek shelter and ambush prey. Understanding their native environment can guide aquarists in replicating a suitable tank setup for these striking marine species.