François Libert, Frankreich
Info
Cirrhitus spilotoceps is a large, powerful coral guardian that has no place in a typical marine aquarium, as it would eat the vast majority of all animals.
A glance at the toothy mouth tells all here.
Cirrhitus pinnulatus is found in the surf zones of exposed reefs or rocky shores in shallow waters that are - usually - less than 5 meters deep.
In the Red Sea of Saudi Arabia, specimens were found exclusively on exposed reef crests with turf algae-covered microhabitats, and the same applies to offshore reefs.
Since the animals do not live in reefs with live corals, they seem to prefer areas with a high wave energy
The study "Habitat Use and Spatial Variability of Hawkfishes with a Focus on Color Polymorphism in Paracirrhites forsteri" revealed something astonishing, Cirrhitus spilotoceps was found only on exposed reef crests, but unlike the other species, did not associate with living coral colonies, which is surprising considering the German name.
Like all coral guards, Cirrhitus spilotoceps likes special positions in the reef that give it a good overview.
Jumping guard
A jumping guard prevents (nocturnal) fish from jumping out.
Wrasses, blennies, hawkfishs and gobies jump out of an unprotected tank in fright if their night rest is disturbed, unfortunately these jumpers are found dried up in the morning on carpets, glass edges or later behind the tank.
https://www.korallenriff.de/en/article/1925_5_Jump_Protection_Solutions_for_Fish_in_the_Aquarium__5_Net_Covers.html
A small night light also helps, as it provides the fish with a means of orientation in the dark!
A glance at the toothy mouth tells all here.
Cirrhitus pinnulatus is found in the surf zones of exposed reefs or rocky shores in shallow waters that are - usually - less than 5 meters deep.
In the Red Sea of Saudi Arabia, specimens were found exclusively on exposed reef crests with turf algae-covered microhabitats, and the same applies to offshore reefs.
Since the animals do not live in reefs with live corals, they seem to prefer areas with a high wave energy
The study "Habitat Use and Spatial Variability of Hawkfishes with a Focus on Color Polymorphism in Paracirrhites forsteri" revealed something astonishing, Cirrhitus spilotoceps was found only on exposed reef crests, but unlike the other species, did not associate with living coral colonies, which is surprising considering the German name.
Like all coral guards, Cirrhitus spilotoceps likes special positions in the reef that give it a good overview.
Jumping guard
A jumping guard prevents (nocturnal) fish from jumping out.
Wrasses, blennies, hawkfishs and gobies jump out of an unprotected tank in fright if their night rest is disturbed, unfortunately these jumpers are found dried up in the morning on carpets, glass edges or later behind the tank.
https://www.korallenriff.de/en/article/1925_5_Jump_Protection_Solutions_for_Fish_in_the_Aquarium__5_Net_Covers.html
A small night light also helps, as it provides the fish with a means of orientation in the dark!
