The Lyretail Hawkfish is commonly known as the Pink Hawkfish or Swallowtail Hawkfish. It is mostly found feeding on plankton in the water column, which is similar to anthias behavior unlike its own family, which is known to perch more than swimming. The Lyretail Hawkfish can be identified by the presence of numerous short filaments at the tip of each dorsal spine. With its vivid colored pattern, the Lyretail Hawkfish makes a beautiful and stunning addition to any reef tank. It grows up to 6 inches in captivity, and may be grouped with other Lyretail Hawkfish if are introduced to the aquarium at the same time. Although it might eat small fishes and shrimps, the Lyretail Hawkfish can be considered an excellent reef inhabitant under the right conditions. It should be provided with a variety of marine meats, frozen preparations, and live feeder shrimp for its continued good health. The Lyretail Hawkfish thrives well in a temperature range of 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit and in a tank of minimum 20 gallon. It lives among the tentacles or at the base of some larger sea anemones, therefore addition of a sea anemone is encouraged but not necessary. The Lyretail Hawkfish might behave aggressively towards passive fishes that are introduced afterwards.
The family of Hawkfish are a group of bottom dwelling fish that lack swim bladders. This causes these fish to find areas of coral, sea fans, and rock where they can perch and wait for food to float by. They have a curious nature and their eyes will usually follow you wherever you go.Provide rockwork for this hawkfish to perch on. This hawkfish will also perch on coral heads, and may cause slight damage to the coral from resting on it.In its natural habitat this fish eats small shrimp and crabs, but also may eat small fish. Don't be fooled by the small size of this fish, its mouth opens wider than you think! Keep with fish of similar size or larger.Offer enriched mysis, frozen carnivore diet, finely chopped shrimp and clam.
