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The Long Nose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) is instantly recognisable thanks to its elongated snout and a bold, crosshatched pattern of red lines across a white body. Growing up to 13cm in length, it has a perch-like stance and can often be seen resting on coral branches or rock ledges. What makes this species so unique—besides its looks—is its inquisitive and often comical behaviour. Hawkfish don’t swim in the open water much; instead, they hop around the reefscape, surveying their territory like a watchful little sentry. They are relatively peaceful but may become territorial with similar-shaped fish, especially in smaller tanks. For reef keepers looking to add personality and visual interest, the Long Nose Hawkfish ticks all the right boxes.
I’ll never forget the first time I spotted one in my local aquarium shop—its vibrant colours instantly hooked me, sparking my journey into understanding its care needs. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your long nose hawk fish thriving, from tank setup to feeding and health tips.
Choosing Your Long Nose Hawk Fish
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Setting Up the Perfect Tank
Long Nose Hawkfish thrive in well-established marine tanks of at least ∫that allows them to perch and hide. While they aren’t aggressive swimmers, they appreciate vertical space and elevated resting spots.
Keep the water temperature between 24°C and 27°C, with a stable salinity around 1.025. Flow should be moderate, enough to keep detritus moving without blasting the fish from its favourite perch. A good protein skimmer and regular maintenance will keep the environment healthy. Importantly, if you’re keeping shrimp or small ornamental inverts, be cautious—hawkfish are known to snack on small crustaceans. A lid or mesh cover is also recommended, as hawkfish can jump when startled. Lighting should be tailored more to the needs of your corals, but the hawkfish will happily adapt to most reef lighting setups.
Feeding Your Long Nose Hawk Fish
The Long Nose Hawkfish is a carnivore and should be fed a protein-rich diet. In the wild, it feeds on small crustaceans, and in captivity, it will thrive on a varied diet that includes mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped fish, and high-quality marine pellets formulated for carnivores. Feed your hawkfish once or twice a day, offering only what it can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues, so it’s best to feed in smaller, more frequent portions if you’re unsure. Live food like copepods or ghost shrimp can also be offered occasionally to encourage natural hunting behaviour and keep your hawkfish stimulated. Once settled, they’re generally excellent eaters, though some may need coaxing with live food at first. Patience during the early days pays off with a happy and active hawkfish that readily eats prepared foods.
Health and Maintenance
Long Nose Hawkfish are relatively hardy, making them a good choice for intermediate keepers. However, like all marine fish, they can fall ill if water quality drops or they become stressed. Common issues include marine ich (white spot), velvet disease, and fin rot. Symptoms to watch for include rubbing against rocks, faded colouration, laboured breathing, or visible spots or lesions. Early signs should be taken seriously, as marine diseases can spread quickly. Maintain high water quality with weekly 10–15% water changes, monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH levels, and use a quarantine tank for any new additions. Providing a consistent environment, proper diet, and avoiding aggressive tank mates are your best defences against illness. If your hawkfish does fall sick, isolate and treat promptly with reef-safe medication. With the right care, Long Nose Hawkfish can live for 5–7 years and become a curious and charming addition to your reef setup.
Caring for a Long Nose Hawk fish takes some effort, but the payoff is immense. With the right tank setup, a tasty and varied diet, and a bit of TLC, you’ll have a dazzling centrepiece for your aquarium. Got any questions or your own hawk tales? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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