Paracirrhites arcatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Arc-eye Hawkfish, scientifically known as Paracirrhites arcatus, is a member of the Cirrhitidae family. This species originates from the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to regions like the Hawaiian, Line, and Mangaréva islands. Typically reaching a size of around 20.0cm, these Hawkfish are renowned for their unique appearance and interesting behavioral traits.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquariums with caution, the Arc-eye Hawkfish requires specialized care due to its aggressive nature towards other fish, small crustaceans like shrimps and crabs, and anemones. While they can be kept in small tanks, it is advisable to provide ample space, hiding spots, and regular feeding to mitigate their aggressive tendencies.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Arc-eye Hawkfish are known for their hardy nature and adaptability to various water conditions, such as a pH range of 8.1-8.4, carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. These fish prefer environments with good hiding places like live rocks and are capable of changing gender from female to male, exhibiting hermaphroditic behavior.

Reef Suitability

Categorized as reef-safe with caution, this species poses a potential threat to certain reef inhabitants like anemones and small fish. Therefore, careful consideration is required when introducing them to a reef tank to prevent any instances of aggression or predation.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Arc-eye Hawkfish involves creating a spacious environment with adequate hiding places, live rocks, and a tank size of at least 150 liters. Maintaining stable water parameters within the recommended ranges and ensuring a well-established tank can promote the well-being of these intriguing fish.

Behaviour

Known for their captivating personality, Arc-eye Hawkfish exhibit interesting behaviors in aquarium settings. They are known to stay relatively still while waiting for food and can display aggressive tendencies, especially towards fish that mimic their behavior or are introduced after they have settled into the tank.

Feeding and Diet

In terms of diet, these Hawkfish primarily feed on fish and other invertebrates, including larger crustaceans like shrimps and crabs. Offering a diverse diet that includes krill, mysis, and artemia can help meet their nutritional needs and ensure their overall health and vitality.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Male Arc-eye Hawkfish can sometimes change gender from female to male as needed, a unique trait that can impact their social dynamics within a tank. Captive reproduction of this species may occur under suitable conditions, providing insights into their breeding behavior and lifecycle.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Arc-eye Hawkfish are commonly found in regions across the East and West Indian Oceans, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, and various parts of the Pacific Ocean. They inhabit rocky reefs and tropical waters, showcasing their adaptability to different marine environments.