Falco Hawkfish

Falco Hawkfish Care: Personality in a Small Package

The Falco Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys falco) is a compact, hardy marine fish with a big personality. Perching on rock ledges and watching the world go by, this species is a favorite for reef keepers who enjoy active, intelligent fish. If you’re considering a Falco Hawkfish for your saltwater aquarium, here’s what you need to know.

Falco Hawkfish Overview

Falco Hawkfish stay relatively small, usually reaching about 2.5–3 inches in captivity. Their mottled red-and-white pattern and curious behavior make them stand out in a community tank.

  • Scientific name: Cirrhitichthys falco
  • Adult size: ~3 inches
  • Temperament: Semi-aggressive, very bold
  • Reef compatibility: With caution (may eat small shrimp)
  • Difficulty level: Beginner to intermediate

Tip: Think of the Falco Hawkfish as a tiny predator. Anything bite-sized and slow-moving may eventually become food.

Tank Requirements and Aquascape

Despite their small size, Falco Hawkfish appreciate space and structure. They are perchers, not open-water swimmers, so the rockwork is more important than the actual water volume.

  • Tank size: 30 gallons minimum; larger is better for community setups
  • Rockwork: Provide plenty of ledges, caves, and branching structures for perching
  • Water parameters:
    • Temperature: 76–80°F
    • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity
    • pH: 8.1–8.4
    • Stable nitrate and phosphate levels

These fish like to sit high on the rockwork and watch the tank. Ensure your aquascape is secure; Falco Hawkfish can launch quick ambushes and may dislodge unstable rocks.

Diet, Behavior, and Tank Mates

Falco Hawkfish are carnivores with a strong hunting instinct. In a healthy aquarium, they quickly learn to accept prepared foods.

Feeding Your Falco Hawkfish

  • Offer a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
  • Supplement with high-quality marine pellets and small meaty foods.
  • Feed small portions 1–2 times per day to keep them active and healthy.

Choosing Compatible Tank Mates

While generally peaceful toward similarly sized fish, Falco Hawkfish can be territorial toward other hawkfish and may harass very timid species.

  • Good tank mates: clownfish, wrasses, tangs, dwarf angelfish, and larger gobies.
  • Use caution with: very small gobies, tiny dartfish, and ornamental shrimp.
  • Avoid: housing multiple hawkfish in smaller tanks unless you have experience managing aggression.

If you keep cleaner shrimp or small ornamental species, be prepared for the possibility that a Falco Hawkfish may view them as prey over time.

Is the Falco Hawkfish Right for Your Reef?

For aquarists who love interactive fish, the Falco Hawkfish is a standout choice. It’s hardy, adaptable, and full of character, making it an excellent addition to many fish-only and mixed reef systems. Just plan your livestock list carefully and provide a rockscape that allows this perch-loving predator to display its natural behavior.

Looking to round out your stocking plan? Check out our guides on clownfish care and reef-safe cleanup crew options to build a balanced, compatible community. For more stocking inspiration, visit our beginner reef fish recommendations.