Macculloch's Hawkfish

Macculloch's Hawkfish (Hypoplectrodes maccullochi) is a semi-aggressive species that is not widely kept in the aquarium trade, making it a highly unusual choice for mixed reef systems as it poses a threat to small fish and crustaceans while focusing primarily on ambush hunting of invertebrates. This robust basslet displays a pale pink to brown-red body with distinctive dark vertical bands that are more prominent on the upper half of the body and a bright white blotch on the gill cover, complemented by the characteristic large oblique mouth used for capturing small prey. The subdued banded coloration with striking gill cover blotch and distinctive perching behavior combined with diligent hunting behavior make it both a rarely seen centerpiece and effective natural control agent for certain motile microfauna. It can reach about 8–18 inches in adult size, though smaller specimens are more common. Best kept in tanks of at least 125 gallons or more due to their territorial nature and need for established hiding spots, with abundant live rock and sponge growths for perches and concealment, stable water parameters, and careful handling around their stout dorsal spines, though they're generally very hardy and often develop engaging personalities with their owners. Its diet should focus heavily on meaty foods—mysis shrimp, chopped clam, quality carnivore pellets—with occasional live supplements like feeder shrimp, as this primarily carnivorous species requires constant access to protein-rich animal matter for optimal health and will provide excellent nuisance organism control while maintaining their unique coloration and distinctive markings. International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.