Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus)

The Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus) is one of the most vividly colored hawkfish available to marine aquarists — its entire body is an intense, uniform flame red with a distinctive black line running along the dorsal fin edge and a dark ring around the eye, creating a bold, graphic color pattern that makes it stand out in any reef. Like all hawkfish, it lacks a swim bladder and uses its strong pectoral fins to perch and wedge itself into coral branches, rocks, and other elevated vantage points from which it surveys its territory and ambushes small prey. Hardy and relatively long-lived, it adapts well to aquarium life and is an excellent choice for beginners interested in keeping hawkfish. Note that it may prey on small ornamental shrimp.

Provide at least 120 liters with multiple elevated perching positions — branching corals (both live and artificial), rock outcroppings, or elevated rubble. Feed twice daily with frozen mysis, small marine shrimp, and marine pellets. Caution with nano shrimp and small gobies — the Flame Hawkfish will view them as food. Generally reef-safe with corals. Can be kept with one female as a mated pair (females are larger); do not keep two males together.