Pixie Hawkfish

The Pixie Hawkfish, Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus, watches its surroundings from rock ledges rather than spending all day in open water. Its pale body is covered with reddish spots, giving this small predator a conspicuous pattern even when it sits still.

Build stable perches at different heights, with nearby cracks and caves for shelter. A hawkfish may defend a preferred lookout, so allow other bottom-dwelling fish room to move without passing through the same narrow territory.

Offer appropriately sized marine meaty foods, including mysis and finely chopped seafood. Very small fish and ornamental crustaceans can become prey. Evaluate those animals individually before adding a Pixie Hawkfish to a reef; leaving coral alone does not make every reef inhabitant a suitable companion.