What is a falcon hawkfish?

ssmariner9

ssmariner9

Member
I was at my LFS the other day and saw a cool fish, sort of orange spotted, it swam along and then would stop and "perch" on sand or rock. I thought it was very neat. When I asked what it was, nopbody knew for sure, and after looking at a book, they said it was a "falcon hawkfish"?? I've looked all over and can't find anything by this name anywhere else. I'm trying to research and see if it would be good for my 55. Any help?
I checked this page and it didn't look like any hawk on this website.
 
bean 1

bean 1

Member
Your LFS was probably referring to a falco hawkfish. There are lots of pics and a few on this site. They are a great fish. I have one in my 46g in addition to a few different species in my other tanks (red spotted, flame). A definite must buy for any tank without shrimp!
Good Luck..Bean
 
bean 1

bean 1

Member
go to the search button on this page and type in falco hawkfish. Click on the spotted hawkfish thread as the pics are actually of falco's and not spotted hawks. Hope this helps.
Bean
 
ssmariner9

ssmariner9

Member
Yep that is def. it! The did look pretty cool, but I don't want them to eat all my snails, crab, etc. I dunno, what do you think? I wanted to get a valentini too, but heard they will do the same thing.
 
lion_crazz

lion_crazz

Active Member
Yep, both fish are predators on small inverts. If you want to keep your snails, hermits, etc., don't get either of those fish. I know from experience. I have a blue spot toby (identical to the valentini) and he is a major picker of anything he can get his snout into (i.e. snail and hermit shells, etc.). The hawk will just wait for little shrimp and stuff to swim by him, or until he gets the right angle on them, and he will swoop in like a predator. Small inverts will disappear with the hawk and you won't even see it happening.
 
bean 1

bean 1

Member
I have slightly different experiences with my hawks. I have a hawk in each of my 4 tanks and have never lost a hermit crab, snail, sally lightfoot, or emerald crab to my fish. I still have most of my inverts since starting the hobby a couple years ago. The only invert I wont subject to my fish are shrimp because of everyone else's experiences. Toby's and puffers are a whole other ball game. It may help if your inverts are in the tank before you add your hawk as it minimizes the risk.
Good Luck
Bean
 
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