Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Flame Hawkfish

Neocirrhites armatus

Also called Neocirrhites armatus

Mostly peaceful toward other fish of a similar size.

Size	Tiny
Length	9 cm (4 in)1 2 3
Coat	Small, deep-bodied perching reef fish
Origin	Western and central Pacific: from the Ryukyu Islands to the Line Islands and Mangareva, south to the Great Barrier Reef and Austral Islands, including Micronesia1 2
Last checked	2026-09-30

SpeciesShort profile

Intense fire-red colour

Fun perching behaviour

Small enough for a modest marine tank

2 3

Personality what they are like

Mostly peaceful toward other fish of a similar size. It sits watchfully on a perch and darts out when food drifts past.3 2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Flame 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

Looks how to spot one

Small, deep-bodied perching reef fish

A small, deep-bodied fish in solid bright red, with black around the eyes and a dark stripe along the base of the dorsal fin. It has little tufts of cirri on its nostrils and strong pelvic fins it uses to sit on coral.2 3

Coloursredblack2 3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Not a constant swimmer; it hops from perch to perch among rock and coral branches.3 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Provide plenty of live rock and coral-like perches. Very small shrimp and tiny bottom-dwelling gobies or blennies may be seen as food, so choose tankmates with care. Well-oxygenated water suits it.3 1

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least 30 US gallons (about 115 L) with lots of rockwork. Wild fish live on surge-swept reef fronts and terraces in water of about 25 to 29 °C; depth records range from about 1 to 25 m.3 1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A carnivore. Offer marine meaty foods and frozen preparations; wild fish feed on small crustaceans.3 1 2

Company who they like around

Pairs are monogamous in the wild. In an aquarium it is usually kept singly.1 2

The story where it all began

Francis de Laporte de Castelnau described the species in 1873. It is the only member of its genus, Neocirrhites, a name meaning 'new Cirrhites', and armatus ('armed') refers to the spines on its gill cover.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It has no swim bladder, so it rests on coral using its thick pelvic fins instead of hovering.2
2
It is the only species in its genus.2
3
Wild pairs are monogamous and spawn in open water.1
4
When threatened, it slips deep into the branches of its favourite corals.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2015)1

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Flame Hawkfish?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact portions.3 1 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Flame Hawkfish eat, and what should it never eat?

It is a carnivore that enjoys marine meaty foods and frozen preparations. In the wild it eats small crustaceans. Never feed it anything that isn't marine-based, and avoid very small shrimp or tiny fish that it might see as food.3 1 2

How much space does a Flame Hawkfish need?

A tank of at least 30 US gallons (about 115 L) is recommended. It needs lots of rockwork to perch on and hop between.3 1 2

What temperature, light or water does a Flame Hawkfish need?

Keep water temperature between 25 and 29 °C. Provide well-oxygenated water and plenty of live rock and coral-like perches. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily temperature checks and weekly salinity checks.3 1 2 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Flame Hawkfish's home?

Pet Wiki's plan suggests cleaning the glass weekly, testing water weekly, and doing a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Flame Hawkfish live with others?

It is mostly peaceful toward similar-sized fish but may eat very small shrimp and tiny gobies or blennies. In the wild pairs are monogamous, but in an aquarium it is usually kept singly. Choose tankmates carefully.3 1 2

How long does a Flame Hawkfish live?

Lifespan varies and depends on care. For specific information, ask your vet or a good breeder.

Can I handle a Flame Hawkfish?

Handling is not recommended as it can stress the fish. It is best to observe it perching on rockwork and coral.3 2

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.

Longnose Hawkfish

Flame Angelfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Neocirrhites armatus, Flame hawkfish fishbase.seused for length, distribution, depth, temperature, diet, mating, IUCN status, describer
Wikipedia: Flame hawkfish en.wikipedia.orgused for colour description, anatomy, habitat, perching, history, etymology
LiveAquaria: Flame Hawkfish liveaquaria.comused for aquarium care, tank size, temperament, tankmates, diet

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.