Spotted Hawkfish

The Spotted Hawkfish is a compact, hardy species that makes an excellent introduction to the hawkfish family for beginner marine aquarists. Its stout body is white to cream-colored, adorned with a pattern of reddish-brown to dark brown blotches and spots that provide effective camouflage against the rocky and coral surfaces where it perches. Like all hawkfish, it lacks a swim bladder and relies on its muscular pectoral fins to grip onto perching surfaces, from which it watches its surroundings with characteristically alert, intelligent eyes.

In the wild, the Spotted Hawkfish is found perched on coral heads and rocky outcrops in shallow to moderate-depth reef environments across the Western Pacific. It is an ambush predator that waits patiently on its perch before darting out to capture passing small crustaceans and zooplankton. Despite its predatory nature, it remains small at around 5 inches maximum, making it suitable for aquariums as small as 30 gallons.

The Spotted Hawkfish is remarkably hardy and disease-resistant, readily accepting all manner of frozen and prepared foods from its first day in the tank. It is semi-aggressive, meaning it will defend its chosen perching territory and may harass very small, timid fish, but it generally coexists well with most community reef inhabitants. Like other hawkfish, it will consume ornamental shrimp and very small crustaceans, so it should not be trusted with expensive cleaner shrimp. Its bold, curious personality and tendency to perch prominently in the open make it an engaging aquarium inhabitant that provides constant entertainment.