Cirrhitichthys aprinus

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Facts
Latin name Cirrhitichthys aprinus - (Cuvier, 1829)
Local name Spotted hawkfish
Family Cirrhitidae - Cirrhitichthys
Origin East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, East Pacific, New Zealand, Central/West Pacific
Max length 12 cm (4.7")
As aquarium fish
Minimum volume 150 l (40 gal)
Hardiness Hardy
Suitable for aquarium Suitable with care
Reef safe Reef safe with caution
Aggressiveness Aggressive towards other species
Feed
Recommended Larger crustaceans (Shrimp, crabs...)
Small crustaceans (Krill, mysis, artemia...)
Maybee Fish
Beware of
Can be a threat to small fish

This spicies might be a threat to smaller fishes.

Threat towards crustaceans

This species poses a threat towards shrimps and crabs etc., which are relatively small.

Small aquaria

This species can be kept in a small tank, if it is specifically equipped to meet its needs.

It is recommended however, to keep it in an aquarium which is larger then described above.

Aggressive

This species can be extremely aggressive towards other fish.

Be careful when keeping these fish together with peaceful or docile species. Regular feeding, plenty of hiding places and a lot of space can alleviate aggressive behavior to some degree.

Keep in mind
Personality

This species often has a fun and interesting personality.

Can coexist as a pair

They can live as a pair provided they are introduced simultaneously.

Hiding places

This species needs good hiding places, for example, between live rocks.

Hermaphroditic

This species can change gender from female to male.

When a male is needed, a female changes sex and takes on the role.

Descriptions and further reading
Family description (Cirrhitidae)

Hawkfish stay still and wait for food most of the time, they are therefore suitable for smaller aquaria.

One must be aware that Hawkfishes can be very aggressive.

Very aggressive genera
The very aggressive species will sometimes attack many different types of fish, even the ones that are larger than themselves.

Cirrhitops
Cirrhitus
Paracirrhtes

Semi aggressive genera
The semi aggressive species are most threatening towards fish whose behaviour mimcks their own, and fish which are introduced after they have settled in.

Cirrhitichthys

Less aggressive genera
The less aggressive species are rarely threatening towards fish that which do not resemble them.

Cyprinocirrhites
Neocirrhites
Oxycirrhites


Larger Hawkfishes might eat small fish, shrimps etc. in the aquarium. Species of the Cyprinocirrhites and Neocirrhites genera are least likely to eat shrimps etc.

Hawkfish do not place many demands on their surroundings or water quality, as they are fairly hardy.

It is possible to keep several Hawkfish together, but sometimes they will suddenly begin to fight after some time in the aquarium.
This may be due to them changing gender so one can end up with two males.

FishBase
Aquarium trade Yes
Distribution Western Indian Ocean: Maldives (Ref. 30829). Western Pacific.
English common names Threadfin hawkfish
Blotched hawkfish
French common names Épervier à taches rouges
References and further reading

About references

Scott W. Michael. 2001. Basslets, Dottybacks & Hawkfishes: v. 2 (Reef Fishes) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
James W. Fatherree. The Hawkfishes - Reefs Magazine - (English)
Bob Fenner. Hawkfishes, Family Cirrhitidae Part IPart IIPart III - Wet Web Media - (English)