Longnose hawkfish at a glance
The longnose hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) is a small, red and white crosshatched fish with a long, pointed snout. In the wild it perches on sea fans and other structure on reef slopes, and in aquariums it takes up the same ambush-from-a-perch lifestyle. It is one of the more popular hawkfish for reef keepers, and it is generally considered hardy once it is eating well.
Quick reference, based on commonly published care sheets (always cross-check with your retailer):
- Adult size: roughly 4 to 5 inches
- Diet: carnivore
- Temperament: peaceful to semi-aggressive, usually calm toward fish it cannot swallow
- Typical tank size: often cited as 30 to 50 gallons, with larger tanks easier for mixed communities
- Temperature: about 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit
How big does a longnose hawkfish get?
Most sources put adults at around 4 to 5 inches, with some listing slightly larger specimens. They are slender, so they look smaller than they are. That body shape matters for stocking: a long, narrow mouth can still swallow very small fish and shrimp.
Tank setup and water parameters
Hawkfish lack a swim bladder, so they rest on surfaces rather than hovering. A good setup for a longnose usually includes:
- Plenty of perches. Live rock ledges, branching rockwork or sturdy coral skeletons at varying heights. In nature the species is associated with gorgonians and black coral on deeper reef slopes.
- A secure lid. Hawkfish can dart and jump, so tight-fitting covers are a common recommendation.
- Stable reef parameters. Commonly cited ranges are a specific gravity of around 1.023 to 1.025, pH 8.1 to 8.4, and alkalinity roughly 8 to 12 dKH. Keep them steady rather than chasing perfect numbers.
- Moderate flow. Enough movement to keep the water clean, with calmer spots near the perches.
The tank should be mature and cycled before adding a hawkfish. If you are comparing space needs, our article on flame hawkfish tank size covers how perching fish use a tank.
Feeding
Longnose hawkfish are carnivores. Common foods include:
- Frozen mysis shrimp
- Chopped krill, clam, squid or other seafood
- Quality marine carnivore pellets once the fish accepts them
Feeding small portions once or twice a day is a typical suggestion. Well-fed hawkfish tend to be less likely to hunt tank mates, though this is not guaranteed. Target feeding with tongs or a pipette helps if flow or competitors take food before it reaches the perch.
Tank mates and reef compatibility
Longnose hawkfish are usually considered reef-compatible because they do not eat corals. The concerns are mostly about what else they might eat:
- Small fish and fry. Tiny gobies, young firefish or similar fish may be at risk.
- Small invertebrates. Ornamental shrimp are the most common casualty.
- Aggressive fish. Bold tangs, large wrasses or dottybacks can stress or outcompete it.
Peaceful mid-sized fish such as clownfish, grammas and cardinalfish are often listed as reasonable companions, but results depend on tank size and individual temperament. Introducing the hawkfish last or rearranging rockwork when adding new fish can reduce territorial disputes.
Will hawkfish eat cleaner shrimp?
It is a real risk. Hawkfish are ambush predators and many keepers report them eating cleaner shrimp, especially smaller ones or those that molt, since a freshly molted shrimp is soft and vulnerable. Some hobbyists keep larger shrimp successfully with a well-fed hawkfish, but there is no reliable guarantee. If you value your shrimp, either skip them or accept the risk.
Different types of hawkfish
Hawkfish belong to the family Cirrhitidae. Species you will see in the trade include:
- Longnose hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus), the slender species covered here
- Flame hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus), a bright red species often recommended to beginners
- Arc-eye hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus), a larger, bolder hawkfish
- Falco hawkfish and coral hawkfish, which differ in size and color
Larger species generally need more space and are more likely to eat smaller tank mates.
Are hawkfish easy to keep?
Flame hawkfish and longnose hawkfish are often described as hardy and suitable for a careful beginner, provided the tank is cycled, the lid is secure and the stocking is thought through. Most trouble comes from jumping, predation on small tank mates, or shipping stress at purchase. Quarantine and a gradual acclimation help.
Related reading
Looking for other fish with personality for a reef or fish-only setup? See our list of cool saltwater fish to own.