Longnose Hawkfish

The most fascinating and mesmerizing biome is the underwater world, with its spectacular appearance. Diving deep into the ocean's bed will introduce a number of species of the aquatic kingdom. The flora and fauna of this kingdom are completely different with vibrantly colored bodies and unique characteristics. The longnose hawkfish is one such intriguing species of fish that inhabits the oceans across the world. This fish is mainly found in the Indo-Pacific strip, namely from the Red Sea in Africa to the Sea of Cortez in Eastern Pacific Ocean. One can also come across this saltwater fish in the tropical waters of North Columbia and Galapagos Islands. These fish survive in deep waters among the coral reefs. Other kinds of fish found in the hawkfish genus are coral hawkfish, dwarf hawkfish and black sided hawkfish.

Taxonomic Classification

The longnose hawkfish can be scientifically classified as under:

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygil
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Cirrhitidae
Genus:	Oxycirrhites
Species:	O. typus
Binomial Name:	Oxycirrhites typus

Longnose Hawkfish Information

Popular as an aquarium fish, the longnose hawkfish is fish tank owner's delight. Here are some fascinating facts about this ornamental fish.

• This fish, whose scientific name is Oxycirrhites typus belongs to the hawkfish family which has about thirty two species of different types of fish. This fish is so named because of its characteristic snout.
• The fish has a streamlined body, with a white background and a red pattern. This fish can grow up to a maximum size of 5 inches. The male is larger and more colorful than its female counterpart. Another striking feature of the male hawkfish is the black margin that is present on the caudal fins. This fish also has large jaws which houses a set of sharp, pointed teeth.
• They are a dominating fish and are very particular about their territory. A single male normally presides over a territory, having about 2 to 8 female species.
• The species of fish usually breeds or spawns near the surface of the water. The female releases many tiny eggs that are carried away by the ocean current. The young fish hatch after approximately three weeks. This fish can also be bred in aquariums.
• One interesting fact about the longnose is that it is hermaphrodite in its mannerism. It means that it can change its sex from female to male after a specific period of time.
• Longnose hawkfish is mainly a carnivorous fish This tropical fish is predatory in nature and feasts on crustaceans, invertebrates and small fish. You can feed the fish with chopped squids, shrimp, mussels, dried krill and other saltwater fish food, etc.
• If you are planning to breed this fish in your aquarium, you must take care of some important aspects like size of the fish tank, food, temperature, other species of fish to be bred alongside, etc. The tank must be large enough to hold about 25 to 30 gallons of water and the temperature must be approximately 80 F. Since this fish likes to spend its time mostly at the bottom, it will be a good idea to place some aquarium plants.
• Butterfly fish, gobies, clownfish and anthias, etc. will be ideal tankmates. Never place small-sized fish alongside this hawkfish species, as they become an easy prey to the predator.
• And finally, you must also be aware of saltwater fish diseases to keep your fish healthy and flourishing for a long time. Regular cleaning of the tank is also necessary for the health of the inhabitants of the aquarium.

Introducing this frisky fish to your aquarium will make it livelier and colorful. Teamed with proper water plants (both fake and real), colorful rocks or stones and lighting, your aquarium can look quite attractive.