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The Scarlet Hawkfish is a small, bottom-perching marine fish known for its vibrant red colouring and curious nature. Originating from the Indo-Pacific, it grows up to around 9cm (3.5 inches) and is instantly recognisable thanks to its intense scarlet hue and upright posture. What makes the Scarlet Hawkfish truly stand out is its behaviour. Unlike free-swimming fish, it prefers to perch on rocks or corals and observe its surroundings like a tiny predator. It’s often seen hopping from one spot to another, using its strong pectoral fins for grip. Its independent and sometimes territorial nature makes it entertaining to watch and an excellent conversation starter for your tank.
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 scarlet hawk fish thriving, from tank setup to feeding and health tips.
Choosing Your Scarlet Hawkfish
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Setting Up the Perfect Tank
Feeding Your Scarlet Hawkfish
The Scarlet Hawkfish thrives in stable, mature reef tanks. A minimum tank size of 100 litres is recommended, though larger is always better due to its semi-territorial nature. Water parameters should be consistent, with a temperature range of 24–27°C, salinity at 1.025 SG, pH between 8.1 and 8.4, and ammonia/nitrite at 0 ppm. They appreciate a moderate flow rate—enough to keep the water oxygenated without overwhelming them. Include plenty of live rock structures, ledges, and perch points, as this fish loves to observe its environment from a high vantage point. It’s reef-safe with corals but may nip at small ornamental shrimp or very small fish, so stock wisely. They don’t school or mix with others of their own kind unless kept as a mated pair, so it’s usually best to keep just one per tank.
Health and Maintenance
Feeding the Scarlet Hawkfish is relatively straightforward. In the wild, they’re carnivorous ambush predators, feeding on crustaceans and small fish. In captivity, they accept a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and high-quality marine pellets. Feed them once or twice daily, depending on their age and appetite. Be cautious not to overfeed—despite their bold nature, they don’t need excessive food and may even become overweight in small tanks. They benefit from a protein-rich diet, so rotating between meaty options ensures they get the nutrients they need. Occasionally adding vitamin-enriched food or garlic-based supplements can help support immunity and colouration.
Caring for a scarlet hawkfish 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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