The swallowtail hawkfish (Cyprinocirrhites polyactis) is an Indo-West Pacific hawkfish that is amongst the most graceful and eloquent hawkfishes available to the saltwater aquarium hobbyist. It is a relatively peaceful, reef-compatible hawkfish that is appropriate for the beginning aquarist in terms of its husbandry needs but definitely beautiful enough for the serious collector. This tropical marine fish, with its beautiful lyretail, may take on a variety of color morphs ranging from red to orange and even purple. Overall, the swallowtail hawkfish is an excellent choice for many aquarium set-ups.
Hawkfishes for the Tropical Saltwater Aquarium
In very general terms, hawkfishes make great aquarium fishes. They are beautiful to look at, and their behavior makes them an interesting addition to both reef tanks and fish-only systems. Almost all hawkfishes are quite hardy. On the downside, many hawkfishes have surprisingly large mouths, which can make short work of many ornamental invertebrates (e.g., cleaner shrimp) and even small fishes. While some hawkfishes may appear secretive at first, most will quickly adapt to aquarium life and even be one of the most eager "beggers" at feeding time. Many aquarists enjoy feeding their hawkfishes by hand.
Swallowtail Hawkfish in the Wild
Also commonly called the soaring hawkfish, the red hawkfish, the pink hawkfish, and the lyretail hawkfish, the swallowtail hawkfish is found from East Africa south to the southeast coast of South Africa and east to Tonga. Its range extends as far north as southern Japan and south to New Caledonia, southeastern Australia and northern New Zealand. This hawkfish primarily feeds on zooplankton and can be found around coral heads in brisk current, where it often associates with damselfishes and anthias. Growing to about 15 cm in length, this fish will do well in aquaria of 30 gallons or more.
Cyprinocirrhites polyactis Husbandry in the Marine Aquarium
In terms of care, the swallowtail hawkfish is relatively undemanding. Because it is primarily a zooplankton eater, it should not harass larger ornamental invertebrates like cleaner shrimp. Provide this animal with a brisk current, a regular diet of food formulated for carnivores and plenty of live rock, and it should prove long-lived in the aquarium. The swallowtail hawkfish will appreciate the occasional offering of live feeder shrimp. While generally peaceful, it is a semi-aggressive to aggressive species if housed with other hawkfishes. While it may be possible to house a small group of swallowtail hawkfish together, it should be kept as the only hawkfish species in most aquaria. In the aquarium, the swallowtail hawkfish has been reported to associate with both anemones and some large polyp stony corals, and it is generally considered reef-compatible with caution.
The swallowtail hawkfish is a beautiful, hardy fish that is appropriate for many aquarists and many different aquarium set-ups. In addition to its good looks and interesting behavior, it is also relatively inexpensive, making this fish every marine aquarist should consider.
Ret Talbot - Ret Talbot joined Suite 101 in December 2007, and he is now the feature writer for saltwater fish—a topic in which he is both ...
