Pixie Hawkfish

Pixie Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus) is a hardy, moderately aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, making it a good choice for active community reef systems as it poses no threat to corals but will readily prey on small fish and motile invertebrates while focusing primarily on ambush hunting of crustaceans. This small hawkfish displays a whitish to light blue body with distinctive red or reddish-brown spots that cover the head, body, and fins, complemented by the characteristic tufts of cirri atop its dorsal fin spines, used for tirelessly perching on coral branches and rockwork. The striking spotted coloration with vibrant red markings and distinctive perching behavior combined with alert hunting behavior make it both an eye-catching centerpiece and effective natural control agent for pest microfauna. It can reach about 4 inches in adult size. Best kept in tanks of at least 30 gallons or more due to their territorial nature and need for personal space, with abundant live rock and branching structures for perches and hiding opportunities, stable water parameters, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent the escape leaps this species is known for, though they're generally very bold 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 vibrant coloration and distinctive spotting. 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.