Will a Longnose Hawkfish eat my shrimp?

Yes, there is a very high risk. Longnose Hawkfish are natural predators of crustaceans. Small ornamental shrimp like Sexy Shrimp will certainly be eaten, and even larger species like Cleaner Shrimp are at risk, especially after they moult.

Why is my Longnose Hawkfish just sitting on the rocks?

This is completely normal behaviour. Hawkfish lack a swim bladder, an organ most fish use for buoyancy. Instead of swimming continuously, they perch on their pectoral fins to watch for food.

Can I keep two Longnose Hawkfish together?

Unless you can acquire a confirmed mated pair, it is generally not recommended. They can be highly territorial towards their own kind and other hawkfish species.

Are they safe to keep in a reef tank?

They will not harm your corals or anemones, so they are structurally reef safe. However, because they eat small shrimp, crabs, and tiny fish, you must stock your cleanup crew and tankmates carefully.

Do they require a special type of coral to sit on?

While they favour gorgonians and black corals in the wild, in captivity they will happily perch on live rock, artificial decorations, or the branches of robust SPS corals.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Longnose Hawkfish

Oxycirrhites typus

The Longnose Hawkfish is a highly charismatic marine species famous for its elongated snout and distinctive red-chequered pattern, often seen perching attentively on coral branches.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 26 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.025 SG
Adult size: 10 – 13 cm
110L minimum for a single specimen: 110 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Moderate to High
Preferred setup: Ample live rock and branching structures (such as gorgonians) for perching.

About the Longnose Hawkfish

With its unmistakable chequered markings and elongated, slender snout, the Longnose Hawkfish is a striking addition to many marine aquariums. It belongs to the family Cirrhitidae, a group of ambush predators known for resting on structures rather than continuously swimming. Because it lacks a swim bladder, this fish prefers to prop itself up on its pectoral fins, watching the water column for passing prey. Its unique posture and darting movements bring immense character to a display tank.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Longnose Hawkfish against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Longnose Hawkfish comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific, Eastern Pacific

Countries / regions

Egypt, South Africa, United States, Japan, New Caledonia, Colombia

Habitat

Steep outer reef slopes exposed to strong currents, typically found resting among gorgonians and black corals.

Extremely widespread across tropical coral reefs globally.

Similar species

Flame Hawkfish
Neocirrhites armatus
Falco Hawkfish
Cirrhitichthys falco
Arc-eye Hawkfish
Paracirrhites arcatus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
Large enough not to be harassed, occupies open swimming zones, and shares similar robust water quality requirements.
Great
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Peaceful but robust enough to ignore the hawkfish, especially if hosting in an anemone.
Great
Dwarf Angelfish
Centropyge spp.
Active rock-grazers that occupy different ecological niches and are generally too large to be threatened.
Great
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Although occasionally tolerated if added before the hawkfish, they are natural prey and remain at constant risk of being eaten.
Compatible with caution
Neon Goby
Elacatinus oceanops
Small, slender fish are prime targets for a Longnose Hawkfish and will likely become a meal.
Not recommended
Sexy Shrimp
Thor amboinensis
Tiny ornamental invertebrates will be quickly hunted and consumed.
Not recommended

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