Pygmy Hawkfish

The Pygmy Hawkfish, *Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus*, is a charming and hardy addition to the marine aquarium. This small, captivating fish is known for its distinctive spotted pattern and its habit of perching on live rock or corals using its pectoral fins. Its coloration typically features a white or light background adorned with numerous reddish-brown to black spots covering its body, head, and fins.

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for the Pygmy Hawkfish. They are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards other hawkfish or similar-sized bottom-dwelling fish. They are well-suited for reef aquariums as they typically do not bother corals, though they may occasionally nip at small invertebrates like ornamental shrimp. Providing plenty of live rock with crevices and perching spots will help them feel secure and display their natural behaviors.

In the aquarium, the Pygmy Hawkfish is an opportunistic carnivore and will readily accept a varied diet of high-quality marine flake food, pellet food, frozen mysis shrimp, and enriched brine shrimp. Offering a diverse diet will help maintain their vibrant colors and overall health. They typically reach a maximum size of around 3 inches in captivity. Originating from the Indo-Pacific region, they are a relatively easy fish to care for, making them a good choice for beginner marine aquarists.