Longnose Hawkfish

Also known as the Single Longnose Hawkfish or Pixy Hawkfish

The Longnose Hawkfish is an elegant and distinctive species that captivates aquarists with its elongated snout and striking red-and-white checkered pattern. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, from the Eastern coast of Africa to Hawaii and French Polynesia, this graceful percher features a sleek body adorned with a crosshatch pattern and characteristic tuft-like cirri above its eyes. With their peaceful temperament, stunning appearance, and entertaining behavior, Longnose Hawkfish make excellent additions for beginner to intermediate aquarists seeking a unique and personable reef inhabitant.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Oxycirrhites typus
• Common Names: Longnose Hawkfish, Single Longnose Hawkfish, Pixy Hawkfish
• Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm); commonly 3.5–4.5 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; less territorial than other hawkfish
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with caution – may consume very small shrimp and tiny fish
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum (55+ gallons recommended)
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate – hardy and easy to care for

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on outer reef slopes, drop-offs, and areas with gorgonians or black coral at depths of 30–300 feet. Typically perches on branching corals where they blend into the structure while hunting for prey.

Tank Environment:

• Branching coral structures or gorgonians for perching (live or artificial)
• Moderate rockwork with multiple perching locations
• Open water column for hunting
• Prefers perching on highest points in tank
• Standard reef or FOWLR lighting
• Stable rock arrangements

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh/frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods (primary diet)
• Finely chopped seafood, krill
• High-quality marine carnivore pellets (small size)
• Live blackworms, live brine shrimp (occasional)
• Vitamin-enriched frozen foods

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 times daily
• Small meals preferred due to small stomach
• Will hunt copepods and microfauna naturally
• Readily accepts most prepared foods

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, damselfish, gobies, blennies, wrasses, anthias, basslets, dartfish, most peaceful community fish
• Caution with: Nano fish (under 1.5 inches), very small ornamental shrimp, other hawkfish (may compete for perching spots)
• Avoid: Large aggressive predators, multiple longnose hawkfish in tanks under 75 gallons

Social Behavior:

• Perches motionlessly on branching structures
• Less territorial than other hawkfish species
• Darts out to capture small planktonic prey
• Curious and observant of surroundings
• May form pairs in larger aquariums
• Often perches head-down on coral branches

Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with corals and anemones; completely safe with sessile invertebrates. Generally safe with larger ornamental shrimp (cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp). May consume very small shrimp under 0.5 inches. Safe with all fish over 2 inches.

Color & Development

Coloration: Brilliant white to cream base with distinctive red to orange-red crosshatch or checkered pattern creating horizontal and vertical stripes; elongated snout; prominent cirri (hair-like tufts) above eyes; lower body may show yellow highlights.

Color Intensity:

• High-quality diet maintains vibrant red coloring
• Pattern remains consistent throughout life
• Stress may cause slight color fading
• Excellent water quality preserves pattern clarity
• Red coloration may deepen slightly with maturity

Size & Growth:

• Juveniles typically available at 2–3 inches
• Slow to moderate growth rate
• Reaches adult size within 18–24 months
• One of the smaller hawkfish species

Why Choose a Quarantined Longnose Hawkfish?

Our quarantine protocol includes 3–4 weeks minimum observation, preventative parasite treatment, dietary conditioning to diverse foods, and health certification. These beautiful hawkfish combine stunning checkered coloration with peaceful temperament and entertaining perching behavior, making them ideal for reef aquariums of all sizes. Their unique elongated snout, graceful appearance, and hardy nature make them one of the most popular and beloved hawkfish species among hobbyists seeking an eye-catching, easy-to-care-for addition to their marine aquarium.