Freckled Hawkfish

(Paracirrhites forsteri)

Hawkfish should be added to aquariums with plenty of rock work. Adult Paracirrhites Hawkfish lack a swim bladder. Be sure to provide ample ledges, caves, cracks and crevices should be provided in order for them to perch and hide. Most Hawkfish are small, hardy and quite colorful making them a good addition to a home aquarium. All Hawkfish start life as a female with the largest most dominant fish becoming a male. Hawkfish are carnivores and will consume very small fish and other invertebrates. Althought Hawkfish are somewhat peaceful they will defend their territory. Feed a varied diet of meaty and algae based foods multiple times daily.

Freckled Hawkfish are also sometimes known as the Forster's or Blackside Hawkfish. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. The Freckled Hawkfish coloration may vary depending on the collection area, age and sex of the fish. Adults are often seen having a white body, horizontal black stripes on the rear of its body and red to brown spots on its head. Freckled Hawkfish can grow to almost 8".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 75 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareModerateModerate CareEasyEasy
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFlake FoodFlake Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh