Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Falco's Hawkfish
Cirrhitichthys falco Randall, 1963
Also called Dwarf hawkfish, Falco hawkfish
From Tropical Indo-Pacific, from the Maldives and East Africa east to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, short and deep-bodied hawkfish
A small, compact hawkfish with a short, deep body. Each of its ten dorsal spines carries a little tassel of filaments, and the lower pectoral fin rays are thick and sturdy, ideal for propping itself up on rock. The pale body is decorated with reddish to red-brown bars and blotches.123
Personality what they are like
Alert and confident for its size. It watches the tank from a resting spot and can be bossy toward small newcomers, but it is generally manageable when given its own space.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Mostly sits on the bottom or on rock at the base of corals, then darts out to snap up food.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Provide plenty of rock with ledges and hiding places, and avoid housing it with larger, pushier hawkfish. Typical reef water: about 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025.3
Home where they are happiest
A reef aquarium of at least about 30 US gallons (about 115 L) with ample rockwork. In nature it lives on reef flats and slopes, usually about 10 to 20 m deep, resting near the bases of corals.312
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivorous. Wild fish eat small crustaceans, fish larvae and other bottom-living invertebrates; in captivity offer a mix of meaty marine foods and frozen preparations.213
Company who they like around
Found alone, in pairs or as a male with a small harem. In the aquarium a single fish is the usual choice.12
The story where it all began
John E. Randall described this hawkfish in 1963 from specimens collected in the Davao Gulf in the Philippines. Its species name is Latin for falcon, which fits the 'hawk' theme of the family's common name. It is occasionally offered in the aquarium trade.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its scientific name 'falco' means falcon in Latin, matching the hawkfish family name.2
- 2
Males keep small harems, and pairs spawn every night.1
- 3
It can change sex, and unusually a male can even switch back to female if a stronger male appears.2
- 4
It uses its thick lower pectoral fins like props to perch on coral and rock.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed March 2015)1
- Taxonomy
- Family Cirrhitidae; described by John E. Randall in 1963 from the Davao Gulf, Philippines2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Falco's Hawkfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Falco's Hawkfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This matches its carnivorous needs without overfeeding.321 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Falco's Hawkfish eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats meaty marine foods like small crustaceans and frozen preparations. Never feed it freshwater fish or plant-based foods, as it is strictly carnivorous.321
How much space does a Falco's Hawkfish need?
A reef aquarium of at least about 30 US gallons (115 liters) with plenty of rockwork is ideal. This gives it room to perch and dart for food.312
What temperature, light or water does a Falco's Hawkfish need?
Keep water at 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Typical reef lighting is fine, and it appreciates rock ledges for resting.3
How often should I clean a Falco's Hawkfish's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly glass clean and a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Test water weekly and top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Falco's Hawkfish live with others?
Yes, but it can be bossy toward small newcomers. A single fish is the usual choice, or it may live in a pair or small harem in a large tank.12
How long does a Falco's Hawkfish live?
Lifespan varies by care and environment, so ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific estimates. With proper care, it can live several years.
Can I handle a Falco's Hawkfish?
No, handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can damage its delicate fins and scales. Enjoy watching it from outside the tank.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Flame HawkfishWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Cirrhitichthys falco fishbase.seused for origin, size, habitat, behaviour, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Cirrhitichthys falco en.wikipedia.orgused for description, diet, reproduction, taxonomy, history
- LiveAquaria: Falco Hawkfish liveaquaria.comused for care level, tank size, water parameters, feeding
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.