Pixie Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus)

The Pixie Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus), also sold as the Coral Hawkfish, is a small fish with a big-fish attitude. A pale body is covered in red to brown blotches, and the tips of the dorsal spines carry tiny feathery tufts. Instead of swimming laps it perches on the highest rock or coral branch, propped up on its thick pectoral fins, watching everything that happens in the tank and darting out to grab food. It is hardy, easy to feed, and full of personality, which makes it a favorite for tanks with robust tank mates. Browse the rest of our saltwater livestock and supplies and our full fish selection while you plan.

Care Guide

• Tank size: 30 gallons or larger, with rockwork that gives it high perches and clear sight lines.
• Water parameters: 72 to 78°F, pH 8.1 to 8.4, salinity 1.020 to 1.026. Very tolerant once settled.
• Feeding: carnivore. Offer meaty frozen foods like PE Mysis and krill, plus pellets, once or twice a day. Most accept prepared food almost immediately.
• One hawkfish per tank: hawkfish are territorial toward each other and toward similar perching fish.
• Lid recommended: an excited hawkfish can launch off its perch and out of an open top.

Specifications

Compatibility

Reef safe with caution. The Pixie Hawkfish leaves corals alone, but it is a predator of anything small that moves along the rock. Small ornamental shrimp such as sexy shrimp and peppermint shrimp, tiny crabs, and very small fish like clown gobies are at real risk. Larger cleaner shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs usually do fine. Its habit of perching on corals can irritate some polyps, but it does not eat them.

Choose tank mates that are too big to swallow and confident enough not to be bullied. Good options include the Ocellaris Clownfish, Coral Beauty Angelfish, Yellow Foxface, and Scopas Tang. Keep only one hawkfish, so choose between this one and our Flame Hawkfish or Arc Eye Hawkfish.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Piscine Energetics PE Mysis frozen food
• Hikari Bio-Pure Frozen Krill for a heartier meal
• Reef Nutrition TDO Chroma BOOST Medium pellets
• SFBB Carnivore Cuisine Cube
• Innovative Marine AccuDrip Acclimator for a slow, low-stress introduction

FAQ

Is it reef safe?
For corals, yes. For small shrimp, tiny crabs, and very small fish, no. If your cleanup crew includes sexy shrimp or peppermint shrimp, a hawkfish is not the right fit.

Why does it sit on the rocks instead of swimming?
That is what hawkfish do. They perch on high points and ambush food, using their thick pectoral fins like legs. A perching hawkfish is a healthy, comfortable hawkfish.

Is it good for beginners?
Yes. It is hardy, eats prepared food readily, and handles minor swings better than most fish. Just plan the stocking around its appetite for small crustaceans.

Can I keep two hawkfish?
Not in a normal home tank. Hawkfish fight over perches, so keep one per system.