Lyretail Hawkfish (Cyprinocirrhites Polyactis) saltwater aquarium fish portrait

The Lyretail Hawkfish, also known as the Swallowtail Hawkfish, stands apart from the rest of its family through a noticeably shorter snout and a deeply forked, lyre-shaped caudal fin that gives the species its name. Coloration ranges from deep red through lighter shades of orange, and the dorsal fin carries the small tufts of cirri that identify a hawkfish at a glance. Adults reach roughly 5.9 inches. Throughout its Indo-Pacific range, this species occupies steep reef slopes and small coral heads swept by current, frequently hovering several meters above the bottom, and it is also found in association with sponges.

Adult housing should begin at 30 gallons, with the layout weighted toward structure. Like other hawkfish, this species lacks a swim bladder and spends much of its day perched on live rock or substrate rather than swimming continuously, so generous rockwork with numerous ledges and resting points is important. Unlike most of its relatives, however, it also feeds by hovering into the water column, so leaving open swimming space above the reef structure allows it to behave naturally. It is a hardy, undemanding species well suited to aquarists who are still building experience. A mated pair can be maintained if both fish are introduced at the same time, and additional space helps reduce friction with similar tankmates.

In the wild, this hawkfish is primarily a zooplankton feeder, taking pelagic crustaceans, copepods, and other drifting prey from passing current rather than picking exclusively from the rock. That planktivorous habit explains its willingness to leave the perch and hover above the reef, and it shapes how the fish should be fed in captivity.

Captive specimens are not picky. Offer a rotation of size-appropriate meaty foods including chopped shrimp, scallop, krill, fish flesh, squid, and frozen plankton, supplemented with quality prepared flake and pellet foods. Feeding once or twice daily in small portions suits a fish that grazes on drifting food throughout the day. A varied diet rich in natural pigments helps preserve the deep red and orange tones that make this species attractive.

Frozen Mysis Shrimp Chopped Shrimp Scallop Krill Squid Fish Flesh Frozen Plankton Carnivore Pellets
Expect an alert, engaged fish that moves in short bursts from one perch to the next and then rises to intercept food in the water column. Although it is a quiet presence on the reef much of the time, this hawkfish is semi-aggressive and territorial, particularly toward other hawkfish or toward fish of similar shape and habit. One specimen per aquarium is the safest approach unless a pair is added simultaneously and given enough room to establish separate territories.

It coexists well with most community and reef tankmates of comparable or larger size. Smaller fish are a different matter, as larger individuals may treat them as prey. The same caution applies to mobile invertebrates: corals and other sessile invertebrates are left alone entirely, but shrimp and crabs can be at risk, which places this species in the reef safe with caution category. Its zooplankton-oriented feeding makes it among the least likely hawkfish to trouble large ornamental cleaner shrimp, though that is a reduced risk rather than no risk at all.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Lyretail Hawkfish

  • Is the Lyretail Hawkfish safe for a reef tank with shrimp and crabs?
    It does not harm corals or stationary invertebrates, but it can threaten shrimp and crabs, making it reef safe with caution. It is considered one of the least likely hawkfish to bother larger ornamental shrimp.
  • How large an aquarium does an adult Lyretail Hawkfish need?
    Plan on a minimum of 30 gallons for an adult, with substantial rockwork for perching and open water above it for hovering.
  • Can I keep more than one Lyretail Hawkfish together?
    A pair can work if both fish are introduced at the same time and given adequate space. Otherwise, keep one per tank, since this species is territorial toward other hawkfish.