Lyretail hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys polyactis) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Cirrhitidae (hawkfishes)
Origin
Indo-West Pacific coral reefs.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
14 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
180 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
with_caution

Care

This page is based on the list entry only; the species article could not be checked when it was written, so treat the details below as general guidance. The list gives an adult size of 14 cm. Hawkfish have no swim bladder and spend their time perched on rock or coral, watching for food, so give plenty of high perches. The tank size here is an estimate. The sources give no water figures, so the temperature, pH and salinity shown are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, specific gravity 1.023–1.026, with stable, well-filtered water. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Hawkfish are ambush predators of small crustaceans and fish. Offer meaty foods such as mysis, krill, chopped seafood and pellets.

Breeding

No breeding details are given in the list.

Compatibility and tank mates

The list says it may eat small shrimps, so it is marked "with caution" for reefs; corals are not at risk. Keep with fish too big to swallow, and avoid small gobies and other bottom-dwellers. Usually one hawkfish per tank.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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