Red Spotted Hawkfish

Red Spotted Hawkfish (Amblycirrhitus pinos) is a hardy, semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, making it an excellent candidate for Caribbean-themed or other community reef systems as it will not harm corals but will prey on small shrimp, crabs, and very small fish. This small hawkfish displays a creamy-white to pale body with several brownish vertical bars along its flanks and a distinguishing dark spot on the caudal peduncle, with the main charm being numerous fine red spots that densely freckle its head, face, and dorsal fin, complemented by the characteristic tufts of cirri atop its dorsal fin spines. Its vibrant spotting and curious, perching behavior make it an active and engaging aquarium resident, often found perched on rockwork, sponges, or coral ledges while watching the activity around it. It reaches a maximum size of about 3.5 to 4 inches. Best kept in tanks of at least 30 gallons or more, with plenty of live rock, ledges, and caves for perching and refuge, stable water parameters, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent the jumping that hawkfish are prone to, especially when startled. Its diet should consist of a variety of meaty foods—mysis shrimp, chopped clam, quality frozen preparations, and carnivore pellets—as this species is a micro-predator of small benthic invertebrates and requires a constant supply of protein-rich animal matter. 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.