Also Known As: Forster’s Hawkfish, Blackside Hawkfish

Compatibility and Behavior
The Freckled Hawkfish (Paracirrhites forsteri) takes its name from the reddish-brown freckles scattered across its face and gill covers, set on a stout body with high-set eyes. Body coloration varies quite a bit between individuals, often combining a dark upper-side band with a white to yellow underside, and a slightly rounded tail, thread-like tips on the dorsal spines, and thickened lower pectoral rays complete the classic hawkfish perching profile. Like its relatives, it’s a watchful ambush predator that props itself on an elevated perch before darting after passing food. It’s generally safe with coral tissue, though repeated perching may irritate individual colonies, and it lands at reef safe with caution, since ornamental shrimp, crabs, and smaller fish may become prey. Similarly sized or larger tangs, rabbitfish, and angelfish make suitable companions, while timid gobies, firefish, and bottom-perching blennies may face predation or harassment. Keep one hawkfish per tank in most setups, and introduce it late in the stocking order to help limit territorial disputes. One thing to plan for: its capacity to swallow tankmates grows as it does, so base compatibility on its eventual size rather than its purchase size.

Aquarium Requirements
An established tank of 75 gallons or larger suits a single specimen, with additional space helpful when housing larger companions. Build stable live-rock structures with elevated ledges, caves, and crevices, offering several lookout points and sheltered retreats, and prioritize usable rockwork and territory over an entirely open swimming layout while still leaving room for tankmates to move around its preferred perches. Effective filtration and regular maintenance help manage the waste from this enthusiastic carnivore. Live coral isn’t necessary, so a FOWLR setup is a practical choice. Install a secure, gap-free lid, since hawkfish may jump.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Md: 1.5–3", Lg: 3–4"
Diet: Carnivore; mysis shrimp, chopped marine fish, shrimp, mollusk meat, and quality frozen carnivore preparations
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Easy
Reef Safe: With caution
Temperament: Aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Special Considerations: Coral safe but reef safe with caution, as it may eat ornamental shrimp, crabs, and smaller fish, with its appetite for tankmates growing as it does. May jump, so a secure, gap-free lid is recommended.