Your Guide to Buying and Adding an Arc Eye Hawkfish to Your Tank

Arc Eye Hawkfish are fascinating marine species known for their striking appearance and interesting behaviours. They are named for the prominent dark marking or "arc" behind their eyes. If you're considering adding an Arc Eye Hawkfish to your aquarium, here's what you need to know.

Choosing the Right Arc Eye Hawkfish

Selecting tips:

• Choose a specimen that's alert and has bright eyes.
• Avoid fish with visible injuries, spots, or any signs of illness.

Physical Appearance

Key characteristics:

• These fish feature a vivid red body with vertical white bands.
• The dark "arc" behind each eye gives them their distinctive name.
• They can grow up to 5 inches in length.

Compatibility with Other Fish

Compatibility aspects:

• Arc Eye Hawkfish are predatory and might eat smaller fish and invertebrates.
• They can be aggressive towards other hawkfish and similarly sized fish.
• It's a good idea to introduce them last in a community tank to minimise territorial disputes.

Reef Safe

Reef considerations:

• They are somewhat reef-safe. While they won't damage corals, they may prey on small crustaceans and ornamental shrimp.

Suitable Tank Size

Tank requirements:

• A tank size of at least 100 litres is recommended for an Arc Eye Hawkfish.
• They prefer tanks with ample rockwork and places to perch, as they enjoy observing their surroundings from a high vantage point.

Water Conditions

Ideal parameters:

• Temperature: 22-25.5°C
• pH levels: 8.1-8.4.
• Specific gravity: 1.020-1.025.

Preparing Your Tank

Setup suggestions:

• Provide plenty of rock formations for the hawkfish to perch and hide.
• Ensure there are no small shrimp or tiny fish that the hawkfish might see as food.

Monitoring Behaviour

Behavioural signs:

• They are diurnal and quite active during the day.
• The Arc Eye Hawkfish often claims a particular spot as its territory and will defend it.
• They can jump, so ensure your tank has a secure lid.

Feeding Schedule

Dietary needs:

• They thrive on a carnivorous diet. Offer them meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other marine-based protein sources.
• Feeding should be done once or twice daily, depending on the fish's size and activity level.

Incorporating an Arc Eye Hawkfish into your aquarium can be a delightful experience due to its captivating appearance and lively character. Proper care and attention to its needs will ensure it remains a healthy and engaging addition to your marine environment.