Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish
Size: 2”
Family: Serranidae
Care Level: Easy
Lifespan: 6-7 Years
Temperament: Peaceful
Range: Indonesia
Minimum aquarium size: 12 gallons
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: Yes
Color: Orange and White
Water Conditions: Normal sea water
Special Requirements: None
Captive Bred Available: No
Where To Buy: Fragbox Corals
Overview
The Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish, or simply Pygmy Hawkfish, makes an interesting, peaceful and unique addition to a home reef tank. Due to the fact that they do not have a swim bladder they spend much of their time perched on rockwork appearing to be watching everything that is going on inside (and outside) of the aquarium.
Care level
Pygmy Hawkfish are easy to care for and will accept a wide variety of prepared and fresh foods. They do not have any special care requirements.
Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish are the smallest member of the hawkfish family available in the aquarium hobby and do not exceed 2” when fully grown. It can be very difficult to differentiate between the sexes, however some hobbyists claim that males have more vivid coloration.
Family
They are members of the Serranidae family, which includes over 450 species, including some of the largest bony fish in the world. Pygmy Hawkfish belong to the Anthiinae subfamily, which also includes Anthias.
Diet
Despite its comical appearance, the Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish is a predator. In the wild they feed on zooplankton and in a home aquarium they should be offered a wide variety of high quality foods including prepared flakes or pellets, fresh or frozen mysis shrimp or brine shrimp.
Reef Compatible
The Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish is completely reef safe and will not harm any corals or other sessile invertebrates.
Aggression
While this fish is generally considered peaceful, it may become territorial towards other bottom dwelling fish such as blennies. Unlike many other species of hawkfish, it does not pose a threat to invertebrates such as crabs and snails.
Water conditions
The Geometric Pygmy Hawkfish does not require special water conditions to survive. Normal salinity of 1.025 is ideal.
Color
The Pygmy Hawkfish has an elongated body with a high third dorsal fin. It has striking green eyes and has a mottled orange and white coloration.
Breeding
One of the reasons that this fish is so rare in the saltwater hobby is that there are no captive breeding programs currently available. Due to its small size and peaceful nature it is possible that captive bred specimens will eventually become available.