Falco Hawkfish question - agression and compatibility

[phaedraeos]

I recently purchased a Falco Hawkfish, full grown at about 2 inches. He's currently in a QT tank that has a Yellow Tailed Damsel, 2 Ocellaris, a Wheeler's goby, a smallish Foxface, and a Royal Gramma.

Until recently, the tank also had two killifish (about 1.5" and 1.75") and another small, guppy-looking fish. Probably another species of killi. Anyways, I'd noticed that the larger killies were looking a bit tattered, but didn't think anything of it. It was just a few ripped fins. Until yesterday morning, that is, when I turned on the lights and found 1/3 of the 1.5" killie eaten away. The poor thing was still alive, and by the time I got home with clove oil he was dead and gone (and eaten some more). The smallest guy was completely missing, and I'm sure he was also eaten.

All the other fish are fine, with no bites or ripped fins. Even the damsel, which isn't really a hider, and is slightly smaller than the unfortunate killi (about 1") seems to be doing fine.

The QT has a ton of hiding places, and the Falco is nice and plump. I really don't think he's doing it out of pure hunger.

Assuming that all the other fish work it out, my biggest concern is my fire shrimp in the main tank. I thought everything would be find when I bought the hawkfish as his mouth is way too small to swallow a fire shrimp, but now I'm super nervous. The fire shrimp was there first, so the hawkfish would have to find a new home. I have a solid 7 weeks before the fish go back in, so I have some time to make the decision.

Has anyone else had experience with this species? Recommendations? Thanks!

 

[Coyle]

I have had one for a few months..I wouldnt put it with any valuable inverts

 

[stanlalee]

I have a spotted hawk (no different in temperament than the falco. falco has a better reputation which I'm now positive is soley due to the smaller size). I have him with two false percs (one bigger, one slightly smaller) and a sixline (smaller). he was the last fish added. never bothers the clowns at all. he has attempted to chase the sixline but since the sixline was the first fish in there by far he will have none of it and loops back around and sometimes just goes up to the hawk and threatens to keep him honest. there is no relentless aggression though (the clowns are worse with each other at feeding time). the hawks will definately chase and harrass ANY smaller fish that get remotely close to them. bolder fish (even if they are smaller) do much better. not a good fish for passive and bottom dwellers (I wouldn't put a hawk with any gobies. damsels and psuedochromis are more their speed).
As for shrimp, I already made up my mind before stocking that I would prefer a hawkfish (and sixline) over shrimp and eliminated that risk. Mine doesn't bother snails (visably. I do notice my cerith are only out at night since I put him in. they used to be out all the time. astreas are still out all the time. he ignores them). if he does they are much easier to replenish than cleaner shrimp.