I've just started my BioCube 29 gallon back in early April. It has been done cycling for about a month and right now all I have is a tiny Ocellaris clownfish a cleanup crew with snails and 3 hermits and a scarlet skunk cleaner shrimp. The other day when I went to my lfs I saw a flame Hawkfish that looked amazing and was only $40 (which I think is pretty cheap for these guys). But I've heard that Hawkfish can eat cleaner shrimp. Even if the cleaner shrimp is bigger than the hawk, can he/will he still try and eat the shrimp? Thanks!
Biocube 29 Flame Hawkfish?
- Thread starter aap7146
- Start date
CoralsAddiction
Active member
I once had a flame hawk who tried to eat a small Clarkii clownfish.
ThRoewer
New member
He will most certainly try...
Hahaha that's what I figured, guess I'll reconsider.
I didn't even think of him trying to go after the clown!
scooter31707
New member
IMO, I think a 29 is too small. I would recommend at least a 40B.
scooter31707
New member
IME, they become more aggressive as they mature.
brett559
New member
My flame hawk is super chill (kept in my 42g). I've had him about 6 months or so. Doesn't bother anybody, although I don't have any shrimp in there. He didn't bother my clowns, which were small when first added. I also added a very small orchid dotty a few months ago, which he also ignored. Really fun fish.
scooter31707
New member
I am about a year in with my Flame Hawk at 3 inches. He is becoming more aggressive towards fish equal or smaller in size within the past 2-3 months. I am debating whether to get rid of him or keep him. Very beautiful fish and great personality, but has a attitude.
ThRoewer
New member
Live Aquaria is quite often wrong with their maximum fish sizes and minimum tank requirements. I would be very carful to use them as a source for these kind of things.
scooter31707
New member
IMO, LA is pretty accurate than most other vendors. Can do what you please with adding him, but if it was me, I would not try it at all. My Hawk is in a 120 and goes after a Dwarf Angel, Kole Tang, LM Blenny, and my 2 of my wrasses when they come around his territory. I just have the feeling a 29 gallon, he is going to think the tank is his.
Silly clownfish
New member
I can only share my personal experience: my flame hawk spent 15 years in a 30g (standard dimensions36" length). My ocelaris clown was in there the entire time. My coral banded shrimp was in ther with them for 8 years. The CBS was bigger than the hawk when I got it - that was by plan in hope that it would not be eaten, which did work. All of these critters moved to a 75 g 2 years ago and are still doing well.
I consider my flame hawk to be assertive, but not aggressive. Hermit crabs always suffered a gradual attrition though.
I do think individuals vary, so take my experience as anecdotal.
I consider my flame hawk to be assertive, but not aggressive. Hermit crabs always suffered a gradual attrition though.
I do think individuals vary, so take my experience as anecdotal.
fredfish13
Member
Had a flame hawk and it would attack my fish. Had to get rid of it. In a 65 g.
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