Hawkfishes (Cirrhitidae) can exhibit real strange behavior as many of you who have, or have had, such fishes can attest to. As a result, they make ideal fish to acquire from many standpoints. Most of you are familiar with the Longnose Hawk, Oxycirrhitus typus, and the Red or Flame Hawk, both very commonly found in pet stores. There are quite a few other varieties though, but they are not so common. You may want to check a good reference book on saltwater fishes to find out more about other types.
They generally leave corals alone, although some have reported having Red Hawks that bothered corals.
The Giant Red Hawk is reputed to eat small fish. You are unlikely to own one of those though as they are rarely imported as far as I know.
To do well, all Hawkfishes need many hiding places. The presence of rock, preferably live rock is thus important for the long term well being of these fishes.
Extra feeding can be provided by the addition of cooked shrimp bite size pieces, or scallop, mussel and similar food. They are not easy to acclimate to flake food. The fish is recommended for any type of aquarium and is, generally, considered to be easy to keep and not demanding on the water quality. Unfortunately they can be expensive.
Observing the behavior of this fish in the tank can be real fun.
