Red Bar Hawkfish

Red Bar Hawkfish (Cirrhitops fasciatus) is a very hardy, aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, making it suitable for moderate to aggressive community reef systems as it poses no threat to corals but is a known predator of small fish and motile invertebrates like shrimp and crabs. This striking hawkfish displays a whitish to light-colored body with bold, distinctive vertical red or reddish-brown bars/bands that are more pronounced on the body, complemented by a face often speckled with bluish-white freckles, and the characteristic tufts of cirri atop its dorsal fin spines. The vibrant red-barred coloration and distinctive perching behavior combined with a bold and territorial demeanor make it a durable and eye-catching specimen that is excellent for controlling nuisance microfauna. It can reach about 5 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, caves, and rocky ledges for perches and hiding, stable water parameters, and a secure lid to prevent jumping, though they are generally very robust and personable. Its diet should focus heavily on meaty foods—mysis shrimp, chopped clam, quality carnivore pellets, and even small pieces of marine fish—with occasional live supplements like feeder shrimp, as this carnivorous species requires a protein-rich diet for optimal health and to maintain its vibrant coloration, while simultaneously reducing its predatory urge toward tank mates. 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.