Giant Hawk Fish

WYSIWYG – Approx. Size: 1.50-2.00 Inches (Juvenile)

Giant Hawkfish (Cirrhitus rivulatus)

The Giant Hawkfish is the largest member of the hawkfish family, known for its powerful build, confident demeanor, and mottled camouflage pattern. Native to the Eastern Pacific—from California to Peru, including the Galápagos Islands—this ambush predator displays an olive to reddish-brown body with irregular dark blotches, perfectly blending into rocky reef environments. Despite its lack of bright coloration, its sheer size and bold personality make it a standout in predator-focused marine systems.

Tank Requirements

A minimum of 300 gallons is strongly recommended. This species can grow up to 24 inches (2 feet) in length, making it one of the few truly "giant" reef-associated fish. The tank should provide:

• Robust rock structures for perching and ambush behavior

• Open sandy or rocky zones for movement

• Secure lids (they may jump when startled)

Due to its bio-load and territorial habits, this fish should only be kept in large, mature, high-capacity systems with strong filtration and flow.

Color, Personality, and Hardiness

While not colorful in the traditional sense, the Giant Hawkfish is ruggedly beautiful, with a camouflage pattern that mimics rock and coral textures. It’s a bold, intelligent, and often interactive fish, known to observe its environment from a high vantage point before striking prey with lightning speed.

This species is extremely hardy and well-adapted to aquarium life, though its size and predatory nature make it suitable only for advanced aquarists or those with large predator tanks.

Diet and Feeding

A carnivorous ambush predator, the Giant Hawkfish requires a meaty, protein-rich diet. Offer a varied selection of:

• Whole shrimp

• Silversides and chopped fish

• Squid, scallops, clams

• Live or frozen krill

Feed once or twice daily, adjusting based on appetite and growth. While it may eat from tongs or by hand, avoid underfeeding—this species is capable of going after tankmates if food is scarce.

Tankmates and Behavior

Highly territorial and predatory, the Giant Hawkfish must be kept with large, robust tankmates that can handle its presence. Do not house with:

• Small fish (especially bottom-dwellers or slow swimmers)

• Invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, snails—these will be eaten)

• Passive or delicate species

Best suited for FOWLR or predator-themed tanks with similarly sized and aggressive species such as:

• Groupers

• Large puffers

• Eels

• Lionfish (with caution)

Avoid other hawkfish or similar-shaped bottom-perchers unless the system is exceptionally large.