Hawkfish Longnose (Oxycirrhites Typus)

Also Known As: Longsnout Hawkfish

Compatibility and Behavior
The Longnose Hawkfish is one of the most charismatic and striking "percher" fish in the hobby. The body is white with a bold red crisscross plaid pattern running from nose to tail, finished off by an elongated snout, stout pectoral fins, and a spiky dorsal that together give the fish a rugged, almost dragon-like profile. You'll typically find it perched up on a branch of coral or rock, watching everything happening in the tank with sharp, alert eyes. Personality-wise this is a semi-aggressive species that can get territorial around its chosen perches, but it usually coexists well with similarly sized or larger community fish that aren't overly timid. It's considered reef safe with caution. It typically ignores corals, but it may prey on small ornamental shrimp, tiny crabs, and very small fish if given the opportunity. Many hobbyists find that Longnose Hawkfish quickly learn to recognize their keeper, often perching front and center and darting out for food with quick, precise strikes that are genuinely fun to watch.

Aquarium Requirements
A mature marine aquarium with plenty of branching rockwork, gorgonians, or coral skeletons is what these fish really want. The branching structure provides natural lookout posts for perching, which is how Longnose Hawkfish spend most of their day. A secure lid is strongly recommended, as they can jump when startled, especially during acclimation or lighting transitions. Moderate to strong flow with good gas exchange suits them well, since they tend to perch in areas with active water movement where they can watch for passing food. They're adaptable to a wide range of lighting styles and reef types as long as the aquascape gives them enough structure to claim territories along with open water for short ambush dashes. Offer a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, krill, and quality marine carnivore pellets to keep them robust and engaged at feeding time.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm: 1.5-2", Md: 2-3", Lg: 3-4"
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Easy
Reef Safe: With caution (larger Hawkfish may eat small inverts)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial; perching ambush predator
Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons for small Hawkfish, larger for community setups
Special Considerations: Best housed in aquascapes with branching rockwork, gorgonians, or coral skeletons for perching; can jump when startled, so a secure lid is recommended