The Flame Hawk: Good or Bad?

[ishmael]

I recently just got a 55 gal. tank and it is just about ready for coral and fish. I have been looking online for a few suggestions. I want a hawkfish but people say it will attack everything and others say it is their favorite. Please tell me about this and other fish suggestions!

 

[templar]

A flame hawk is a great fish, for the right tank. They eat shrimp so you can't add cleaner shrimps to your tank for parasite control. It's a trade off you have to make.
Also you said you just recently got a tank? If it's still new don't add corals yet. How old is it?

 

[ishmael]

it just finished cycling and we put in hermits and cleaner shrimp

 

[templar]

Since you already have cleaner shrimp I guess you can't get the hawk as he will eat them. And atleast let your tank run for a month and get all levels in check before you add corals, it will be best for them and you.

 

[ishmael]

i'M GOING WITH YOU, old yeller...Wish me luck!

 

[templar]

Even if you buy the flame small it will GROW and then it will eat the shrimp. If you have the money to take the risk then go ahead and try it.

 

[poohnasty]

I have a hawkfish and some peppermint shrimp and he has never bothered them. My hawk has been in my tank for at least 9 months and the only bad thing I can say about it, is that it does'nt like my slippery ---- wrasse. It's a great fish and very hardy...