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.

Size & Sex

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.