Long Nose Hawkfish - (No Online Purchases)

Long Nose Hawkfish - (No Online Purchases)

Oxycirrhites Typus

• TheLong Nose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) is a striking and popular saltwater fish in the aquarium hobby, and you might occasionally find them in well-stocked marine fish stores around Caboolture, Queensland. Here's a comprehensive overview of their care:

  Appearance:

  • They have a distinctiveelongated snout, giving them their name.
  • Their body is typically white with a vibrant red or orange grid-like pattern of horizontal and vertical lines.
  • They have large pectoral fins that they use for perching.
  • Small cirri (hair-like filaments) are present on the tips of their dorsal fin spines.

  Natural Habitat:

  • Long Nose Hawkfish are found on tropical reefs in the Indo-Pacific region, including parts of Australia (Great Barrier Reef).
  • They inhabit steep outer reef slopes, often among gorgonians (sea fans) and black corals, typically at depths of 10 to 100 meters.

  Aquarium Care:

  • Minimum Tank Size: A tank of at least 110 liters (30 gallons) is recommended for a single Long Nose Hawkfish. Larger tanks are better for stability and if you plan to keep tank mates.
  • Water Parameters:
    • Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F) -  a heater might be necessary during cooler months.
    • pH: 8.1-8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity (sg)
    • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
    • Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
  • Aquascaping: Provide plenty of live rock and branching structures like artificial corals or gorgonians for them to perch on. They spend most of their time observing from an elevated vantage point. A tight-fitting lid is essential as they are known to jump.
  • Water Flow: They prefer low to moderate water flow.
  • Lighting: Moderate to high lighting conditions are suitable.

  Temperament and Tank Mates:

  • Long Nose Hawkfish are generally peaceful towards other fish that are larger than they can eat. However, they can be territorial towards other hawkfish and may show aggression to smaller or similar-looking fish. Introducing them last to the tank can help curb territorial aggression.
  • Use caution when selecting tank mates. They are carnivorous predators and will eat small invertebrates, including ornamental shrimp, small crabs, and worms.
  • Reef Safe: They are generally considered reef safe with corals, but they may nip at clams or other sessile invertebrates.
  • Suitable tank mates can include:
    • Dwarf Angelfish (avoid very small species)
    • Dottybacks
    • Most Damselfish
    • Larger Gobies and Blennies
    • Mid-sized Wrasses
    • Larger, non-aggressive invertebrates (if you're willing to risk it)
  • Avoid keeping them with:
    • Small ornamental shrimp and crabs
    • Very small fish (e.g., neon gobies)
    • Other hawkfish unless in a very large, well-established system with plenty of visual barriers.

  Diet:

  • Long Nose Hawkfish are carnivores. In the wild, they eat small crustaceans and invertebrates.
  • In the aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods, including:
    • Mysis shrimp
    • Brine shrimp
    • Small pieces of fish or shrimp
    • High-quality marine pellets or flakes (they can be trained to accept these)
  • Feed them small amounts a couple of times a day.

  Special Considerations:

  • They areperchers and will spend much of their time sitting on rocks or decorations, observing their surroundings.
  • They lack a swim bladder, so they tend to sink when not actively swimming. This is normal behavior.
  • They can be prone to jumping, so a secure lid is crucial.