🐠 Pixi Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus)
A White-to-Bluish Body Covered in Reddish-Brown Spots and Blotches • Colouration That Vanishes Underwater as Natural Camouflage • A Hardy, Semi-Aggressive Perching Fish
 
📋 A note on identification: this species is commonly confused with the similarly named Spotted Hawkfish (Cirrhitichthys aprinus). The cleanest way to tell them apart is that this species has a spotted tail and lacks the singular, conspicuous spots behind the eyes seen on the Spotted Hawkfish.
The Pixi Hawkfish, also known as the Coral Hawkfish or Spotted Hawkfish, has a striking white-to-bluish body covered in reddish-brown spots and blotches, with distinctive tufts of cirri on the tips of its dorsal fin spines. It comes from a wide range across the Indo-Pacific, inhabiting coral reefs and lagoons at depths from shallow water down to around 30 metres. Every Pixi Hawkfish we ship is feeding well.
A fascinating natural adaptation defines this species' colouration: red light is the first wavelength absorbed by seawater, meaning this fish's striking red pattern actually renders it appearing mostly white underwater, providing real camouflage against the reef. Like all hawkfish, this species lacks a swim bladder, and instead of swimming continuously, it perches on rockwork or coral branches, "hopping" from perch to perch to investigate its surroundings before swooping in on prey. It's a hardy but semi-aggressive species, and may prey on small gobies, firefish, or small wrasses, so tankmates should be chosen with care. It's considered reef safe with caution; it won't damage corals, but poses a real risk to small ornamental shrimp and other tiny invertebrates. It reaches up to 8.5cm, so a 115L tank suits it well.
 
💡 Highlights
🎨 White Body With Reddish-Brown Spots: A charming, popular perching fish
🌊 Underwater Camouflage: Red colouration disappears in seawater, aiding concealment
🦅 No Swim Bladder: Perches and hops rather than swimming continuously
🌿 Reef Safe With Caution: Won't harm corals, but poses a real risk to small shrimp
⚠️ Semi-Aggressive: May prey on small gobies, firefish, or small wrasses