Hawkfish

Hawkfish spend much of their time watching from raised perches, making rock ledges and branching shelter important features of their aquarium. Their stillness should not be mistaken for passivity: they are alert predators that can defend favoured positions.

Match the species and adult size to your fish and invertebrate list. Ornamental shrimp and very small fish may become prey, even when coral tissue is left alone. Offer suitable marine meaty foods and arrange more than one retreat so a hawkfish's lookout does not control the only shelter used by other bottom-dwelling fish.