Red Spotted Hawkfish
Amblycirrhitus pinos
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2 - 3" - Caribbean | Original price was: $60.99.$31.99Current price is: $31.99. | Email me |
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Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
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Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 4 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Red Spotted Hawkfish (Amblycirrhitus pinos), also called the Caribbean Redspotted or “Granny” Hawkfish, is a compact perch-and-pounce fish with a pale body covered in fine red spotting. In reef tanks it commonly posts up on rock ledges and branching structures, then makes short, quick darts to grab food before returning to a favorite lookout spot.
What You’ll Observe:
- Frequent “perching” behavior—sitting still, then hopping to a new vantage point
- Quick, confident dashes at feeding time followed by a return to its perch
- A habit of watching activity outside the glass and tracking movement in the room
- Regular patrols of the same few rocks and overhangs, especially once it feels settled
To help it do well, provide stable rockwork with multiple ledges and small caves so it can rotate between perches. Offer a variety of small meaty foods on a predictable schedule, and maintain a secure lid so it can’t exit the tank during sudden bursts of movement. With consistent feeding and good perches, it tends to become a very visible, routine-driven “show fish” in the aquascape.
Is it normal for a hawkfish to “sit and stare” for long periods?
Yes—many keepers describe them as a watchful perch fish that stays still, then moves in short hops or quick bursts when something interests it.
Why does mine keep choosing the highest point in the tank?
They often pick a reliable vantage point (sometimes the same rock tip every day) where they can see the whole tank and dash out for food.
Can a red spotted hawkfish suddenly start bullying a tankmate later on?
It can happen in some tanks as territories form; hobbyists commonly report better results when there are multiple perches/line-of-sight breaks so fish can “share space” without constant face-offs.
Will it accept pellets, or is frozen the only option?
Many owners start with frozen meaty foods and then mix in small pellets once the fish is rushing the water column during feeding time.
Can I keep more than one red spotted hawkfish?
Most hobbyists keep them singly; if attempting multiples, success is more commonly discussed in larger tanks when added together so territories develop more evenly.
Our selection process means you get robust, well-adjusted specimens that settle in quickly.
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