Longnose Hawkfish

Longnose Hawkfish: The Checkered Perching Predator

The Longnose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus) is one of the most popular and instantly recognizable members of the Hawkfish family (Cirrhitidae). Distinguished by its striking, bright red and white checkered or crosshatch pattern and its uniquely elongated, pointed snout, this fish adds a distinct look and personality to any marine aquarium.

Native to the vast Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Hawaii, the Longnose Hawkfish is an ambush predator that lacks a swim bladder. Due to this, it does not actively swim in the water column but instead uses its thick, unbranched lower pectoral rays to "perch" on rock ledges, corals, and gorgonians, where it patiently waits to swoop down on small prey. It is an inquisitive and hardy fish, but its predatory nature requires careful tankmate selection.

This species is moderately sized, reaching a maximum length of about 5 inches (13 cm), and requires a minimum aquarium size of 30 gallons, though 50+ gallons is preferred to provide ample perching and hiding opportunities. Like all hawkfish, it is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential to prevent escape.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Longnose Hawkfish is a dedicated Carnivore and a micropredator in the wild. Its diet should consist of a variety of small, meaty marine foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, finely chopped squid or fish flesh, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. Due to its long, thin snout, food items should be appropriately small. It is a voracious eater and will quickly learn to accept food directly from the water column.
• Feeding: Feed once or twice daily. Some specimens may require live foods (like copepods or small ghost shrimp) to encourage initial feeding, but they usually transition easily to frozen foods.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe With Caution. The Longnose Hawkfish will not consume corals or large, sessile invertebrates, but it will systematically hunt and eat all ornamental shrimp, small crabs, and snails that can fit into its mouth. It can also irritate, but rarely harm, corals by habitually perching on them.
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Predatory. It is generally peaceful toward most fish tankmates that are significantly larger, but it should not be housed with small, docile fish (like tiny gobies or dartfish) that it may view as prey. It is strongly territorial toward other hawkfish and should generally be kept singly unless a proven, male-female pair is acquired and the tank is large.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Oxycirrhites typus
• Primary Common Name: Longnose Hawkfish
• Other Common Names: Checked Swallowtail, Yellow-spotted Anthias, Blotched Anthias
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 5 inches (13 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory
• Diet: Carnivore (Meaty Foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 30-50+ Gallons (Requires a tight-fitting lid)
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Will eat ornamental shrimp and crabs)