Oxycirrhites typus

Datasheet

General Description: The Longnose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) is a species that enjoys consuming prey larger than its mouth, utilizing rocks to break them into manageable pieces. It can exhibit aggressive behavior towards smaller fish and has been known to jump out of open aquariums. This fish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands and can grow up to 13.0cm in size.

Aquarium Suitability: Being a hardy species, the Longnose Hawkfish is suitable for aquariums with a minimum size of 100 liters, although it is recommended to provide a larger tank if possible. They can be kept in small tanks tailored to their needs, but caution should be exercised regarding tank mates, especially smaller crustaceans as they can be predated upon.

Care and Hardiness: Hawkfish are relatively hardy and do not demand specific water quality conditions. They have a unique behavior of staying still and waiting for food, making them suitable for smaller aquariums. However, they can display aggressive tendencies, especially towards similar species or if not given enough space.

Reef Suitability: Longnose Hawkfish are considered reef-safe with caution. They might pose a threat to small crustaceans in a reef environment due to their predatory nature.

Aquarium Setup: When setting up an aquarium for the Longnose Hawkfish, it is important to provide hiding spots like caves or overhangs as they enjoy perching on rocks. Tank decor should include live rock for natural grazing and opportunities to exhibit their natural behavior, such as hunting for food. Maintaining proper water parameters with a temperature range between 22.2-25.6°C, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is essential.

Behaviour: These fish have an interesting personality, often displaying curious and active behavior. They may coexist as a pair if introduced simultaneously but can exhibit territorial aggression towards other fish, especially those resembling their own behavior.

Feeding and Diet: Longnose Hawkfish have a diverse diet that includes larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, as well as small crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia. A varied diet rich in pigments can help maintain their vibrant coloration in an aquarium setting.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction: if covered

Habitat and Distribution: Longnose Hawkfish are found in the East and West Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Mexican Gulf, and the West Atlantic. They inhabit rocky areas with ample hiding spots and are commonly seen in coral reefs.