Arc Eye Hawkfish

[brandan]

Just wondering if anyone has had any luck keeping an Arc Eye Hawkfish in a Reef. My smallest fish is my Scooter Blenny, and he is probably 2.5". I think he would be ok with the fish, but what about shrimp? Does anyone know if they are known to eat corals? One other possibility would be Flame Hawkfish. . . Anyone have experience with either one of these fish? Thanks

 

[stanlalee]

corals are safe. arc eye will probably even eat your blenny. almost garaunteed to kill or terrorize it. they are known to bash fish against the substrate too large to swallow. much more aggressive than a flame hawk and will likely charge after your other fish too when it feels like it (which will be anytime anything gets close to its preferred perching spot or just for fun. larger the tank the better). will eat your inverts (primary diet in the wild). you dont want an arc eye in a community reef tank and if you do it should be one of the smaller fish in a tank with aggressive reef or semi reef safe fish like blue throats/pink tail triggers, groupers, lionfish, harlequin tusk/lunare/bluehead or any coral safe large aggressive wrasses.
Flame will be hit or miss with both shrimp and temperament. If you are really attached to your shrimp it would be better not to attempt it or get one too small to consume them.

 

[brandan]

Thanks, I was really set on a Flame originally, but the Arc Eyes are cheep, and they look nice when they mature. I can get Flames at a decent price also, so I didn't know if anyone has tried one. I do not have any shrimp at the moment, but do plan to add some. Anyone else have something to say about a Flame Hawkfish? Thanks again Stanlalee

 

[srfisher17]

Originally Posted by Brandan
Thanks, I was really set on a Flame originally, but the Arc Eyes are cheep, and they look nice when they mature. I can get Flames at a decent price also, so I didn't know if anyone has tried one. I do not have any shrimp at the moment, but do plan to add some. Anyone else have something to say about a Flame Hawkfish? Thanks again Stanlalee
When it comes to Arc Eye Hawks; I agree with Stanlalee. Flames are great fish; they are almost always up-front watching you and everything going on. IMO, they are reef-safe, but NOT with small shrimp.

 

[brandan]

Thanks guys, I think I might give a Flame a try. If for some reason it does not work out, I can always find a new home for him.