Arc Eye Hawkfish - Philippines

Paracirrhites arcatusThe Arc Eye Hawkfish is a bold and visually striking reef fish that brings both personality and activity to a marine aquarium. Adults display a pale pink to reddish-brown body with a distinctive horseshoe-shaped dark ring around the eye, accented by a subtle lateral stripe and orange markings on the gill cover, giving them a memorable and unique appearance. Like other hawkfish, they lack a swim bladder and spend much of their time perched motionless on coral heads or rocky outcrops, scanning for prey. An aquarium with plenty of live rock, ledges, and hiding spots is essential to replicate their natural environment. Arc Eye Hawkfish typically grow to about 4 inches (10 cm) and are best suited for tanks of 30 gallons or larger. They are generally peaceful toward other fish but may defend their perch against other hawkfish or similarly shaped species. A tight-fitting lid is recommended, as they are known to jump. In the wild, this species inhabits shallow coastal reefs and outer reef slopes of the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and Micronesia, where they are commonly seen perched on coral heads or rocky outcrops. They are primarily carnivorous, feeding naturally on small benthic invertebrates such as shrimp, crabs, and small fish. In captivity, they thrive on a varied diet of enriched frozen foods like mysis and brine shrimp, as well as live feeder shrimp. Feeding twice daily helps maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health. Considered reef-safe, Arc Eye Hawkfish generally leave corals and invertebrates unharmed, though they may prey on small shrimp or other invertebrates. Their bold personality and perching behavior make them both a visually appealing and functional addition to a reef aquarium.