Cirrhitops fasciatus

Datasheet

General Description:
The Cirrhitops fasciatus, commonly known as the Redbarred Hawkfish or Banded Hawk, is a species belonging to the Cirrhitidae family. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like Madagascar, Reunion, Mauritius, Japan, and Hawaii, this species can reach a maximum size of around 13.0cm. The Redbarred Hawkfish is hermaphroditic, with the ability to change gender from female to male as needed.

Aquarium Suitability:
Considered suitable with care, the Redbarred Hawkfish has specific demands that need to be met when kept in an aquarium. It is known for its aggressive temperament towards other fish, especially smaller species and crustaceans like shrimps and crabs. Adequate hiding places within live rocks and a varied, high-quality diet can help alleviate color loss and cater to its needs in a home aquarium.

Care and Hardiness:
With a hardy nature, the Redbarred Hawkfish requires water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and temperatures between 22.2-25.6°C. While it can be kept in smaller tanks with proper equipment, larger aquariums are recommended to ensure ample space for its aggressive behavior. Regular feeding and sufficient hiding spots can mitigate aggressiveness to some extent.

Reef Suitability:
Reef suitability for the Redbarred Hawkfish is classified as reef-safe with caution. Care must be taken when introducing this species to a reef environment due to its aggressive tendencies towards smaller crustaceans and potentially disruptive behavior.

Aquarium Setup:
To set up an aquarium for the Redbarred Hawkfish, ensure the presence of plenty of hiding spots, especially between live rocks. Maintaining water conditions within the specified parameters and offering a varied diet including larger crustaceans and smaller options like krill, mysis, and artemia can support the well-being of this species.

Behaviour:
The Redbarred Hawkfish is known for its aggressive behavior towards other fish species, particularly those smaller in size, and it may exhibit sudden fights, possibly due to gender changes. This species also possesses a fun and interesting personality, adding to its allure in aquarium settings.

Feeding and Diet:
Feeding the Redbarred Hawkfish should include larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs, along with smaller options like krill, mysis, and artemia. A varied diet rich in pigments can help maintain the vibrant colors of this species, as they tend to lose color and become matte in aquarium environments.

Dimorphism:
In addition to being hermaphroditic, the Redbarred Hawkfish can change gender from female to male as necessary. This species may exhibit gender changes when there is a need for males in the group.

Habitat and Distribution:
The Redbarred Hawkfish is found in the East Indian Ocean, Japan, East Pacific, and Central/West Pacific regions. Their natural habitat includes areas with reef structures and abundant hiding spots, reflecting their need for similar features in aquarium setups.