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FAQs about the Longnose Hawkfish
Related Articles: Longnose Hawkfish,
Hawkfishes,
Hawkfishes of the Cook Islands,
Related FAQs: Hawkfishes 1, Hawkfishes
2, Hawkfish Identification,
Hawkfish Selection, Hawkfish
Behavior, Hawkfish Compatibility,
Hawkfish Systems, Hawkfish, Feeding,
Hawkfish Disease, Hawkfish
Reproduction, | 
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Longnosed Hawkfish Not Eating Well – 09/20/08
I added a
long-nosed Hawkfish to my 55 gal FOWLR tank a few weeks back. He appears
happy, but is a lousy eater.
<<Oh?>>
He gets excited with all
types of food and joins the others in going after it, but he takes a
very long time to make up his mind what to strike at and then he misses
at least 90% of his strikes at food.
<<Hmm, unusual…in my experience
with this fish>>
So, I have been careful to add pieces of raw shrimp
or mysis or something he likes after everyone else is slowing down. With
this, he eats about two big bites about every two days. Suggestions?
<<Hard to say… You are feeding a varied diet? In both selection and
morsel size? The fish may appear “interested” in the food only to
discover it’s something it doesn’t like/want…though I’ve not known this
fish to be a particularly finicky feeder>>
Have you heard of fish
whose aim is bad?
<<Indeed… Many of the long-snouted fishes (e.g. -
Chelmon rostratus, Forcipiger spp., etc.) have trouble competing for
food in “open water” as they are adapted to stalking and plucking their
meals from cracks/crevices/holes rather than dashing about in a panicked
frenzy to “get their share” as is the case with most tank feedings.
Though they do “adapt” a bit, and do well as long as feedings are
frequent and robust enough to allow them to get something to eat. But,
my experience with Oxycirrhites typus has always shown them to be rather
adept at snatching food items from the water column. Perhaps your
individual was somehow malaffected during capture/transport>>>>
His
eyes look clear. And it is possible he is eating tiny things when I am
not looking, but he is thin.
<<This is bad…>>
Do these guys eat
less because they sit and don't swim?
<<This fish generally has a
very robust appetite. The sitting behavior is this fish’s way of
hunting…“constantly” watching/searching for food>>
Is it possible the
lights throw him off?
<<It is a deeper water species…but I have seen
this fish do well in very brightly-lit reef tanks. Still…you might
consider moving this fish to its own tank (i.e. - your QT tank) for a
while to see if you can fatten it up (try some frozen Glass worms
re…generally a good and nutritious enticement for finicky feeders). It
may well just need some (more) time to better adjust to captive care
without the bustle and competition of the display tank. Regards, EricR>>
Re: Longnosed Hawkfish Not Eating Well – 10/25/08
Just an
update on the long-nosed Hawkfish with bad aim.
<<Hello again
Catherine…thank you for the update>>
We've been monitoring the
feeding carefully to make sure he gets fed and over time his strikes at
food have become better and he is getting more food.
<<Hmm…perhaps
like that seen among other creatures (to include humans), this
particular fish had a genetic deficiency/abnormality or even a previous
physical event that made what would seem normal/instinct become a
learned/re-learned response. And it is no doubt that your good care and
devotion to this fish has kept it alive and allowed it to progress to
this point>>
He has learned to stop within an inch of a food morsel
and make a small strike instead of trying to zoom across the tank. With
this technique he seems to get most of what he tries for, which is a
great improvement from when we first got him. He still misses when he
takes too long of a run, but he is adapting well now.
<<So very good
to know my friend…thank you again for this update. Eric Russell>>
Long nose Hawkfish... comp... 04/15/2008
I have a 65 gallon
tank with 85 lbs of live rock, the tank is about 6 months old and doing
well other than the continuous fight against the red slime....I haven't
added anything in a long time until I can get control of this issue but
my question does not concern that. All tests are coming out ok and water
changes 10% is done weekly.
<<As a side note, of help, direction.
---> Red slime algae is mainly caused by increased levels of phosphates.
Tests will normally show up as zero phosphates because the plague algae
has already consumed the trace element. Increased flow, running
phos-guard is a good aid in dealing with this.>>
I have a star polyp,
a mushroom and a bubble tip anemone plus 5 Chromis, two clown fish, a
Banggai criminal fish and a long nosed Hawkfish (McGregor).
<<Ok>>
I did have two cardinal fish but unfortunately one died. The problem is
the remaining Hawkfish <<Remaining Cardinal fish here????>> stays near
the back of the tank under a rock and seems to be very timid. The
Hawkfish seem to have taken a dislike to him/her but it's only visible
during feeding time. The hawk will dart back towards the cardinal to
keep it from eating. Once the Hawk is full he doesn't bother anymore. I
feed all the fish in various locations and then put food in for the
cardinal so no one bothers him/her.
My question is should I purchase
another cardinal to replace the one I lost, it may come out more then or
am I asking for more trouble.
<<Cardinals do tend to act better in
pairs, and yes, i would suggest going down this route. Target feeding in
the meantime to ensure the cardinal feeds is a good plan>>
This seems
to be a scare tactic and there is no aggressive fighting.
Thank you
for your help once more.
Marilee
<<Hope this helps, regards. A
Nixon>>
Longnose Hawkfish Snout/Jaw Issue? 11/28/2007
Good morning
all,
<David>
I'm frustrated...
<... the calm before the storm?>
Last December, I set up a 200g FOWLR tank with a deep sandbed (approx
5"). My salinity stays pretty constant at 1.025, temperature at 26.5 -
27.5oc, my water flow is 18X/hr.
Water parameters are all in check
except Nitrates stay consistent at 20ppm.
<Okay>
I have a 28"
Snowflake Moray, a Magnificent Foxface, Banded Serpent Star, and a
Harlequin Tuskfish remaining in the tank. I wrote to Bob a few times in
September when my two Bannerfish mysteriously disappeared and were found
in my eel's lair. Both fish were aggressive feeders and seemed healthy
aside from a few odd behaviors from time to time. The odd behaviours
were consistent over the 5+ months that I had them and figured if it was
a problem, they would've perished earlier. The ReefCentral Community
believes that it would be highly unlikely that the Snowflake would have
caught and killed these fish, but likely scavenged on the corpses.
<I
agree>
Anyhow, we've discussed this before. I wanted to comment on my
longnose Hawkfish. I purchased a longnose Hawkfish in late September. He
was always curious and an aggressive feeder who liked to play 'keep
away' with my Tuskfish (i.e. grabbing food and running swimming like mad
to ensure the Tuskfish didn't steal it from him). About 2 weeks ago, I
noticed a small bump on the very tip of my Hawkfishes snout. He was
still feeding at the time. A few days later, it almost appeared that
where his snout meets his head was a little swollen. Upon a closer look,
I wasn't sure... but obviously it must've been for me to notice in the
first place? Something didn't look right. The jaw seemed inline looking
at it straight on, the fish's coloration remained bright, but something
didn't seem right about the jaw... and the fish would always keep it's
mouth open a little bit, never closing it. When I noticed the mouth open
consistently... it was then that I noticed it wasn't feeding at all...
not even taking an interest in any food. The Hawkfish would sit within
inches of the eel and the eel would never bother it... the other fish
would never pay attention to the Hawkfish, however there was usually a
playful chase when the Hawkfish snapped up the last bit of food (being
chased by the Tuskfish). Anyhow, so I'd estimate the Hawkfish hadn't had
anything to eat for maybe 6-10 days. Yesterday morning, the Hawkfish lay
dead on the sandbed... I had noticed the Hawkfish gill beats per minute
had increased fairly rapidly over the prior 3 days. Are you familiar
with anything that would cause minor swelling around the jaw area of a
longnose Hawkfish?
<An injury from bumping into something or being
bitten>
Like I said, the swelling was hardly noticeable, but the
initial bump on the snout certainly was noticeable. I'm almost thinking
that the eel mistakenly grabbed the Hawkfish by the snout/head and
realized that he wasn't desirable to eat and then released the fish....
Perhaps leaving broken bones into the skull and some bruising with minor
swelling?
<Not likely... Oxycirrhites are smart... and fast...
Perhaps the Choerodon... in going for the same food item... or it could
have "jumped", hit the top...>
I don't know... there wasn't really
any discoloration around the head area and the Hawkfish eyes would still
be alert. In your opinion... what could potentially cause the Hawkfish
to keep his mouth open or possibly disable the use of his mouth?
<See
above>
It's frustrating because I started this tank with successfully
keeping all of my first 5 fish (but I did something stupid with two of
them in a hospital tank and know exactly why they perished)... but have
lost my last 3 introductions without an obvious sign of what went wrong.
I'm only introducing a new one every 4-6 weeks after a 3-4 week
quarantine. If fish are collected by cyanide, would it take about 3 - 5
months to start having health problems?
<Rarely... most die
immediately to within a few days to weeks>
While I have your
attention, I am using RO/DI water filter since beginning of September. I
am averaging about 10g/week water change on a total system volume of
about 230g. From Dec 06 - July 07 I was using tapwater and a minor hair
algae issue that went away and I had the cleanest tank I've ever had...
nice coralline algae and only had to clean my glass once every 6 weeks.
About July, hair algae galore!!! Hence I bought the RO/DI unit. Having
used it for the past 3 months and using PhosBan for the past 6 weeks...
I am noticing little improvement in my hair algae situation. Mind you,
leaving the 2xBannerfish corpses in the eels lair vs. taking apart my
tank to retrieve the bodies likely didn't help the cause. Am I taking
the proper steps with PhosBan and RO/DI ??? My lights are 95W strip and
a 65W strip for 9.5hrs/daily.
David Brynlund
<Is one approach...
there are others worth considering... All posted on WWM. RMF>
Longnose Hawk Feeding Habits 9/26/07
Good morning fishy friends!
<And to you>
First of all, when I retire... I want to join your
staff!! What a fun job that would be ??
<Mmm, pays nothing cash-wise>
Anyhow, I'm writing today about a new purchase of mine. I had previously
written and received a response by Master Fenner :) The summarized info
below:
200gallon tank 10months old
4" sandbed
220lbs Tonga
liverock
24" Snowflake Moray Eel
2x Bannerfish (very aggressive
eaters)
1 Harlequin Tuskfish
1 Magnificent Foxface
1 Banded
Serpent Star
** interesting enough, the serpent star usually hangs
out in the Moray's
lair to cleanup scraps from him
I plan on
adding (with about a 1 - 2 month gap in between each new addition):
1
Hippo Tang
1 Picasso Trigger
1 Angel (to be determined~ likely
won't exceed 14")
I currently have in quarantine a longnose hawkfish
for this tank.
Previously Bob thought this was a nice mix of fish.
Hopefully anyone else reading this agrees :)
<Except for the Angel
possibility, I still do>
He's been in quarantine for 2 weeks and I
plan on keeping him there until I am satisfied with his feeding habits.
<Mmm, Oxycirrhites typus? Rarely refuse food in main displays...>
With all my fish I mix up my food choices to provide them with a healthy
variety and all have learned to eat pretty much anything. Therefore, I
offer the variety to my quarantined fish as well. Frozen brine, krill,
or herbivorous mix... flake, pellet, small chunks of tiger
prawn/clam/squid, and dried seaweed. The hawkfish is very alert and
knows when I am near the tank food will soon be available. What I have
noticed is he goes after one or two flakes but seems to spit it out
after and then ignores other flakes.
<Don't eat flakes... need
small, meaty foods, perhaps live at first...>
He ignores the tiny
pellet food completely but seems interested in the larger pellet food
that I feed my other fish.
<Don't eat pellets...>
With the larger
pellet food he clamps down on it and then simply releases it. I don't
think he is consuming any pellet. He takes the odd bite of frozen mix
but I notice he spits a good portion of it out. The only food item I can
see him consistently consuming and swallowing is frozen krill that I
have thawed in a measuring cup of tank water. My concern is that he
might starve in my 200gallon tank??
<Mmm, no. Doubtful>
Again he
is very alert and I know when I go to feed he will be present. I'm just
not convinced he will go after food items and I may feed my tank krill
maybe only once a week.
I've read that Hawkfish are easy eaters
accepting pretty much anything that will fit in their mouths?? Any
thoughts or suggestions?
<Yes... read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/longnosehawkfish.htm
Try small
crustaceans... Grass shrimp...>
Next question. This hawkfish was the
largest available. Skinny/small but close to 4 inches. I've definitely
seen fatter longnose hawks before, but then again this is one of the
larger ones I've actually seen for sale. My Snowflake Moray completely
left two small 2" damsels as well as a Royal Dottyback alone... he seems
to have no interest in fish at all. Do you think he would be ok to add
at this size?
<Yes>
I mean, the damsels and Dottybacks are pretty
quick. This hawkfish looks pretty laidback, overly curious... nothing
seems to spook him.
<They are very alert as you've stated... and
quick...>
As always thoughts and suggestions are more than welcome.
One last tidbit... in your opinion what would be a good angel to fit my
guidelines as per above. I guess I'm looking for a medium sized colorful
angel for my tank.
<Need a larger tank for a largish Pomacanthid
species... again... read on WWM re the family, selection...>
David
Brynlund
<BobF>
Longnose Hawk need some information – 07/18/07
Hi WetWeb,
I
recently purchased a longnose hawk from a wholesaler. When I acclimated
him and added him to my tank, I noticed that he would always swim
straight upward and when he was tired, he would lay against the corner
of the glass. He spends more of his time swimming than perching on a
rock, is that normal?
<Mmm, no... but not uncommon with recently
collected specimens... Oxycirrhites spends most of the time hidden
amongst "black coral" and gorgonian growth... is unnaturally placed in
too-small systems w/o this natural protection... takes a while to
adjust>
He swims slanted with his nose facing up most of the time. He
has not eaten anything, I heard these are easy to feed animals, or is
that incorrect? It has been 3 days since I purchased him. He spends alot
<No such word>
of time swimming near the surface with his nose
touching the surface water.
Is this stress? Thanks
Tommy
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/longnosehawkfish.htm
and
the linked files above. Bob Fenner> Longnose Hawkfish and
Stomatella Snails? - 05/27/07
Hi,
<<Hello>>
Our family
has been talking about fish choices for our 120G tank with 25G sump.
<<Planning/researching is half the fun, eh?>>
Current inhabitants
are a Rainford's goby, 3 Green Chromis, 2 Anthias, 1 Pink Skunk and a
Scribbled Rabbitfish.
<<Neat!>>
We were thinking of adding a
Longnose Hawkfish, but I'm worried he will snack on our Stomatella
snail!
<<Mmm, is a "possibility">>
I love these little
guys. They reproduce easily and are great tiny cleaners. Having seen
them almost wiped out within a few weeks by 2 Peppermint Shrimp, I
really don't want to add anything to the tank that could endanger them
again.
<<I see>>
The Peppermint Shrimp found a new home with a
fellow reefer.
<<These are hardly a "reef safe" species of
shrimp...quite predaceous>>
Is a Hawkfish likely to go for them?
<<Oxycirrhites typus typically feeds on small crustaceans and worms
(small "featherduster" worms will be in danger)...if kept well fed I
think the danger to your snails is low>>
And I have the same
question about wrasses?
<<These are more likely to be a threat to
the Stomatellas than the Longnose Hawkfish...in my opinion>>
Are
there any "snail safe" ones?
<<A Halichoeres species are your best
bet...though if a snail is "small enough" to fit in its mouth it will
likely be consumed>>
Thanks in advance! I read extensively on your
site and have learned a lot over the years.
<<Ahh, very good...but
have you read this? http://www.wetwebmedia.com/longnosehawkfish.htm
>>
Best regards,
Susanne
<<Good luck with your
choices/decisions. EricR>>
Longnose Hawkfish Feeding
12/8/06
Hello, from Brooklyn.
<Man! Wish I was there
having pizza... but, wait, how warm is it presently? Maybe I'll stick
with the CostCo brand here in not-so-sunny S. Cal.>
I¹d like some
advice on a Longnose Hawkfish I recently purchased. I¹m already smitten
with the little guy, and want to be certain he¹s getting enough to eat.
<Good>
First, I make sure to feed my other (faster) fish their
flakes which he steadfastly ignores. Then, when they¹re done with
their flakes, I drop some frozen brine shrimp into a little floating
feeding station. He¹s getting the routine down and gulps down the shrimp
with fervor; but I worry that my quick-to-eat-all Tang and Clown are
getting too much of his brine shrimp.
<And Artemia alone won't
sustain this fish>
He seems to get enough good bites in (he¹s no
more than 2²); but then kind of acts hungry afterward. How do I know
whether or not I¹m feeding him enough, without overfeeding his
tankmates? Thanks in advance for any advice you¹ve got to give!
Cheers,
Rosi
<Mmm, a couple of things... a good idea to train
the more-eager eaters to feed on the opposite "side" of the tank... and
secondly, you need to investigate other discrete (sizeable, whole) meaty
food items (likely crustaceans) to proffer... Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/hawkfshfdgfaqs.htm
and here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/longnosehawkfish.htm
and the linked
files above. Bob Fenner> Feeding Longnose Hawkfish -
04/11/2006
One week ago, I obtained a small (2") longnose
hawkfish. Thus far, he will only eat Sweetwater Plankton, or live
amphipods which I catch in my refugium. He hunts in the tank all day
long, catching animals so small that I cannot see them. He will not
take any flakes (Prime Reef) or pellets (New Life Spectrum), and I want
to get him going on those. I don't want to catch 'pods every day, and
Sweetwater Plankton is
difficult because the tank is located at my
office & the refrigerator is far away. Any suggestions on the
pellets? <The pellets are probably too large for the hawk. I'd try
some vitamin enriched frozen brine as a start, to wean him from the live
food. Once he accepts this, you can try some frozen Ocean Nutrition
cubes, Formula 1.> Thank you, <You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Steve in Denver
Longnose Hawkfish - 12/22/05
Hi!
<<Hello!>>
I have always loved the Longnose Hawkfish.
<<Me
too!>>
My question is...will it terrorize any of the following
specimens in my 75Gal reef tank. I have:
3 Toadstool leather corals
1 Large Colt Coral
30+ mushrooms
30+ Polyps
1 6-8" BTA
and one small finger coral.
I also have blue-leg hermits, scarlet
hermits, Astrea, Cerith and Nassarius snails, a brittle star, 3 cleaner
shrimp and 2 Peppermint shrimp. I also have about 150lbs of live rock.
Is there anything in the tank I would have to be concerned about if I
added this fish?
<<The shrimp, and possibly the snails, are possible
targets for this fish...though I have never witnessed this
personally. I have kept this fish with both in the past with no
problems, but that is no guarantee for you.>>
Thanks!
Kate
<<Regards EricR>> Longnose Hawkfish has Cancer?
12/2/05
Hi
<Hello Jessica>
I just got back from
Thanksgiving vacation to find my longnose hawkfish (Pick-nick: because
he looks like a pick-nick table cloth) with what seems to be a white
mass at the base of his fin. I have searched the sight but only found a
description of what it might be (Lymphocystis).
He hasn't eaten in
about three days that I know of. My roommate, who watched the tank while
I was away, said Pick-nick was eating out of her hand when I was gone.
There was a temp. spike while I was away. It went from 78.9 to 83
degrees but is now under control at 78.9. Could this have caused the
infection? I did a 5 gallon water change 3 days ago. Is another water
change in order? I love this fish and will do anything to save him. Are
there any remedies for this ailment? Thanks for all the help in
advance!
<If indeed the fish has lymphocystis, it is rarely life
threatening. Temperature change would have nothing to do with this. Keep
up the 10% weekly water changes as should be done anyway and you may
want to add an antibiotic to the tank. James (Salty Dog)>
<<Lympho is often associated with poor conditions, just as with HLLE.
Marina>> Longnose Not Doing Well
>Hi, I am hoping
someone can help.
>>Hello.
>I have a longnose hawkfish. I noticed
he was not eating as well as he does normally. I also noticed he was
perching a little crooked on the rocks. Now I have noticed his left eye
is bulging out. Do you think he got hurt, or could it be some sort of
disease.
>>One eye tends to be from injury, if it were disease it
would present equally and bilaterally.
>Should I quarantine
him? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks Debbie
>>You may wish to
figure out who/what is causing him injury. In the meantime, it may
certainly be the case that, until you get it sorted, q/t is
best. Marina Longnose Not Doing Well - Follow up
>Thanks for your prompt reply. I don't know who would be bothering
him. I only have a 35 gallon tank, with 5 fish. I have had him since
October, and have seen on bullying from other fish. I guess I will try
QT him, maybe he will recover faster, if he does not have to fight for
food. Debbie
>>Ahh.. this is telling. Longnose hawks, as you may
very well be aware, are known jumpers. I am guessing that in such a
small tank he may have hurt *himself*. In which case, there's likely no
need to move him, but you might wish to consider future digs for him,
especially if this occurs again. Marina Shrimp, The Tasty
Hawkfish Treat (3/15/04)
Hi,
I have a 40 gallon with a
sixline wrasse, Firefish, and Randall's shrimp goby. I also have a
banded coral shrimp and would like to get a longnose hawkfish, but am a
bit concerned, as I have the shrimp. Since this shrimp is larger than
most other species, would it be advisable to place a longnose hawkfish
in with my shrimp? Thanks!! A. <You'd be surprised what this Hawkfish
can swallow with that "little mouth." If it can't take it in one bite,
it will break it up. It may take a year or even longer, but the
Long-nosed Hawkfish will eventually eat the shrimp. I'd suggest you
choose something else. Steve Allen.> Long nosed Hawkfish
I was doing a compatibility check on the fish I am doing with my reef
tank, One of my fave fish is the Longnosed hawk, but they are not
compatible with Inverts, is this true? I don't know what type of clean
up crew I am wanting yet, but if I just choose snails, and a lawnmower
blenny, will this be ok then to add the Hawk? or is it dealing with the
Anemones, and mushrooms, and feather dusters? if I cant add him its no
biggy, but I really want one, so any suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks
Tawny
>>
Thank you for writing. This is one of my
favorite families (the Hawkfishes, Cirrhitidae) and species
(Oxycirrhites typus)... and other than small crustaceans (shrimp, tiny
crabs), they are "reef safe" in my opinion... and won't eat or bother
your snails, Blenny, anemones, mushrooms...
Bob Fenner Hawk
vs. hawk
<Lorenzo Gonzalez, standing in for Bob-in-Asia>
Question:
Can a flame hawkfish and a longnose hawkfish tolerate each
other? What about other hawks? Thanks!
<It's possible in a relatively
large system, but it'll be a bit of a balancing act, they'll set up
territories, and occasionally-to-frequently harass each other. I'd say
you need a 120 gallon or larger tank to pull it off long term, even then
they may just kill each other anyway. -Lorenzo> Thanks for the
great info. (Hawkfish choices)
Hello Bob,
Just happened to
come across your article on Reefs.org I was looking for Hawkfish info.
Longnose and Flame to be exact I did a search and your article came up.
great summary)
<Thank you>
I was wanted to get a Longnose or a
Flame this weekend I read conflicting info all over some say the Flame
does not do well some say very hardy.
<I'm of the "more hardy"
opinion>
I've seen a couple different Flames one was quite an
aggressive feeder and another Flame seemed a bit shy hiding under a
rock.
<Both traits of most individuals of this species>
The Flame
is my 1st choice but as I said no reliable info on it. The Longnose
seemed in better spirits and I would rather a more spirited fish than
one who is better looking but too shy.
What's your opinion on these 2
fish?
<The Flame is a far more consistent species in the trade...
Oxycirrhites typus can be great to bunk... highly variable. Both are
tough animals when started initially healthy>
Can both be housed
together in a 30 GAL?
<Hmm, no... the Longnose especially needs
larger quarters... like twice this size>
I have a pair of common
Clowns and a blue fin Damsel at the moment.
There are 5 stores that
specialize in marine fish within 3 miles of each other and 3 more stores
within 5miles of each other here in Miami.
<Wow, you're lucky>
In
your article you mentioned Miami is there a distribution site here?
<Yes, a principal one in the U.S.>
My next ? is how do I decide which
shop to buy from? Healthy looking fish. Do I ask where the fish come
from? Will I ten have a clue if the fish was poisoned?
<A worthy
question... Do ask the origin of collection... and try to avoid the
Philippines and Indonesia... these fishes are collected elsewhere and
are better from... Hawai'i, Marshalls, Christmas for the Longnose,
Cooks, Fiji, Micronesia, Guam et al. for the Flame...>
I would
definitely buy from the Mom /Pop store if all the other essentials are
there: products price and healthy fish practices and friendly
knowledgeable help.
<Don't be overly concerned about price... How
much are specimens that will likely die soon worth?>
I was looking on
the net for books on the marine fish subject and came across "THE
CONSCIENTIOUS MARINE AQUARIST" from reading the editorial review and the
peoples review it's exactly what I've been looking for.
<Oh, I know
the author>
Only one problem on this particular website it says your
book has not yet been published it will be in 3/01 well it seems we are
4 months due
<Hmm, really? It is about... can be ordered from the
publisher: http://www.microcosm-books.com/>
I'm referring to the
hardcover edition, your paperback is fine.
So they say for me to
preorder and when available I will be notified.
Do you know if the
Hardcover is available as yet or is it that they are behind in updating
their system?
<It is available>
The description lists the
Hardcover contains less pages than the previous edition, are some things
deleted, what new has been added?
<What? I have the latest edition...
and paperback... 430 pages each... only the cover is different I
believe>
What are the differences between the 2, should I just get
the paperback version if the newer one doesn't become available soon?
<The only common complaint about the softbound I recall is that it
"falls apart" from use... Bob Fenner>
Thanks
Long nosed
hawkfish
Hi,
<greetings, my friend>
In my last letter --
which you brilliantly answered (thank you) --
<thank you for being
so easily impressed>
I inquired about the possibility of keeping a
long nosed hawkfish in my 25 gallon reef tank. I have continued to hear
mixed reviews on this fish's compatibility with the reef tank.
<almost all attributed to confusion between the characteristic behavior
of most (blunt nosed) hawkfish, against this uncommon (long-nosed)
member of the family>
I hear that it is not a nuisance to
corals, <agreed> but "might" eat some or all of my shrimp, <difficult
for this narrow snout species, but likely for most other hawkfish> or at
the very least annoy them.
<possibly. especially when larger>
So,
I'm a bit confused.
<oh, ya... try living in my Adult ADD(H) child's
head... hehe>
While it's obviously not a rare fish in stores, it's
still one of my favorites <very unique.. a favorite of mine too> and
given the right circumstances I would definitely purchase one.
<in
my mind...no more of a risk than a dwarf angel would be to some coral...
a calculated risk>
So, suffice to say I'm on the fence with this one.
I really appreciate your input and have begun looking into Firefishes as
your last message suggested. I am very intrigued with these fish, too.
<excellent...beautiful, hardy and long-lived if given the passive,
peaceful tank that they need... but not so with clowns, damsels, tangs
and the like>
Thanks! Ari Klein
<Ciao, bub...Anthony>
Fish compatibility question
Hi, I'm wondering if I could add a
longnose hawkfish to the following inhabitants of my 46 gallon reef: 1
pair false clowns female is about 3"; male about 1 1/2"), one pair
Banggais (about 2"), and 2 scarlet cleaner shrimp about 3-4" each).
<so far compatible>
I've heard and read different things about the
habits and appetites of the longnose hawks, so I'd appreciate your
input. Oh, I also have scarlet hermits, assorted snails, an emerald
crab,
<hmmm... hawks are notorious for nipping harassing and
sometimes regularly eating crustacea and mollusks like shrimp and
snails. The longnose is one of the least offensive of the hawks though>
soft corals and a bubble coral, open brain, and frogspawn. If it's not a
good idea, any suggestions for a colorful, interesting fish that would
be less shy than the Banggais who spend almost all their time behind the
reef except when feeding?
<a very simple school of green. blue
Chromis damsels can be quite striking or some deepwater Caribbean blue
Chromis if the budget allows>
I was thinking maybe royal Gramma, or
6-line wrasse, but I really like the longnoses. Thanks, as always, for
your help!
<the Gramma is nicely hardy and polite... but can be
rather shy. Six-lines are great little fish but can be quite mean to
passive tankmates like the clowns or cardinals. Best regards, Anthony>
Starving Hawkfish
Robert,
Since you helped me heal
my Blue Rings lip (the golden puffer bit a bottom chunk off by accident
when going after the same piece of food about a year ago). I thought you
might be of service again... I have a long nose hawk about 3" long who
USED to eat like a stud!! Well, the eating has stopped for about 2
weeks; I put some appetite stimulant in the tank (Cravex Plus by
Aquatronics) every other day last week to no avail (but the marine Betta
is eating me out of house and home!!) he swims after the food, live,
flake, freeze-dried, etc.
<What live foods have you tried? I would
seek out someone who has/sells amphipods, mysids and try these live or
not... with some of the Cravex or similar (I would rather use Selcon)
soaked into it a good five minutes before offering>
but continually
misses his strikes at it, he's
starting to get real skinny on me (not
good). I don't think he's blind?
<Doubtful>
his eyes still look
gin clear. If you or your staff help me it (once again)
would be
GREATLY APPRECIATED!!
Thanks, Gary
p.s. The Blue Ring
looks like new
<Good to hear of the Angels recovery. Do try soaking
the crustaceans. Bob Fenner> - Mystery Spot -
Hello,
<Good morning, JasonC here...>
I have had Snarky, a Long Nose Hawk,
for approximately one and half years. Tonight I noticed, for the first
time,
this black spot on gill next to his eye. I netted him, and he
let me attempt removing the spot, but it would not
come loose, as if
there was nothing clinging to his body. I can not tell if it is
Turbellarian, or if he had
developed a beauty mark, that I just
happened to notice after all this time.
I have attached a good
picture of the spot I am referring to for your examine, and I can
magnify this picture, and
resend it if you need a closer view of
it. I would appreciate if you could let me know what your assessment is
ASAP,
so I can begin treatment if required. <I think this is most
likely something similar to a bruise.> I am also scheduled to
leave
on vacation this Friday. It always seems that stuff like this happens
before I go on vacation. <Ain't that the truth.>
Anyway, my tank is
very healthy, and I don't suspect this to be an illness, since Snarky
isn't exhibiting any loss
of appetite, scratching, or listlessness,
it's just that it seems like an unnatural marking amongst his red and
white pattern. What do you think? <I think it will be fine - will go
away in time.>
Thank you for having such an informative site/resource
for an aquarist to improve their fish friends'
health and well being.
Sincerely,
Joel
<Cheers, J -- > - Single Black Spot -
Hello,
I think I missed your assessment. Should I be concerned or
not? <It's my opinion that the spot is just a bruise. No cause for
concern.>
Thank you, Joel
<Cheers, J -- > Long nosed
hawkfish temp requirements
Hello
I have a 70 gallon fish -
only temperate marine aquarium. I live in England and the tank stays
at 70 -72 ' F .
I have a couple of native Blennies and 2 small native
wrasse.
I have recently added a 2" Picasso trigger which seems to
have adjusted to the cooler water without any ill effects. (just as the
guys at LFS said).
<Picasso Triggerfish are very adaptive to
semitropical water temperatures, as their natural environment ranges
south to the South African coast.>
However, they could not tell me
if the Long nosed Hawkfish would be happy at the lower temp, just that
it is a very hardy fish.
<Although restricted to tropical areas,
i.e.: the Indo-Pacific Ocean/Red Sea (with a lower temperature limit of
75 degrees F), with careful acclimation and a feeding regime mindful of
the animal's slower metabolism in the cooler water, it should be fine,
as long as the temperature remains in the 70's F>
Any help would be
greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Matt
<Best, Chris>
- Another Follow-up on Freshwater Dips -
Would you consider
Longnose hawkfish a fish? <Of course - it's certainly not a bird or a
horse.> The ich seems never affected it. <They are just durable and
disease resistant.> Would you recommend a cleaner wrasse for the tank
since it feeds on external parasites? <No. Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/labroide.htm > I bought one last
weekend because I had seen them servicing the fishes, hoping this one
would perform the same function. Yet this new wrasse never
approached/touched the fishes w/ ich. <Is probably getting used to the
new environment.> Is that strange? <Not really.> I wonder if the ich on
the fishes scared the wrasse away. <I doubt it. Cheers, J>
Longnose Hawk Questions
>Hi,
>>Hello.
>I just purchased a
hawkfish. He is now in quarantine.
>>Good words.
>Will he want
to eat my feather duster in my main tank?
>>No.
>I was asked if
I had shrimp in my tank when I purchased him, because they said he may
eat them.
>>I've kept many longnose hawks, and have never had a
problem with the different Lysmata species I've kept with them.
>I do
not have shrimp, but do have a duster. Do you think he will bother
it? Thanks. Debbie
>>Nope, all will be well. Marina
Longnose Hawk (10-3-03)
Hi,<Howdy, Cody here today.>
How long
should a tank be kept running, before any fish are introduced.
Bearing in mind that this set up is (Marine). And could you give me any
advice regarding the longnosed hawkfish. <The time before it is safe to
add fish all depends on numerous factors which can be researched at our
site: www.wetwebmedia.com. There is also tons of info on the hawk
there also. Cody.>
Regards Aaron. - Longnose Hawkfish and
Shrimp -
Good Day! <Hello to you.> Firstly, I'd like to thank you
for such quick responses to me and everyone else whom depends on you and
everyone else involved. You guys are a blessing for us to be able to
get in touch with. Truly, we consider ourselves lucky. Thank you.
I
would refrain from sending in question(s), because I'd rather read
through everyone else's questions and problems to see if maybe I can
find the answer here within the pages of the site, rather than use of
your valuable time. This time around, I haven't been able to find any
readings that make me lean towards more of a well informed and wiser
decision.
My livestock consists of-
1 Banggai Cardinal
2 Seahorses
1 Fridmani Pseudochromis
1 Yellow Clown
Goby
4 Hawaiian Feather Dusters
3 Peppermint Shrimp
1 Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Numerous Nassarius, Cerith,
Trochus Snails and numerous Hermits (scarlet reef, dwarf blue legged,
dwarf zebra, dwarf red tipped)
* 31 pounds of Fiji live rock and
almost 28 pounds of live sand plus Caulerpa (30 gal tank)
I'm amazed,
even though I'm used to it by now... but how well the Banggai cardinal,
fridmani Pseudochromis and yellow clown goby get along. They truly seem
to be "buddies"-and don't mind the presence of each other at all. As a
matter of fact they more often than not, hang out together in a little
group. I just got lucky I guess. That's half the game on some
gambles! Choke it up to the hobby of fish keeping.
I ordered a
Longnose Hawkfish... I was guided in a direction where as my shrimp are
quite a decent size, so he/she may wind up really ignoring them... but
as with all livestock, nothing and nothing is predictable. I cherish my
shrimp and especially since I've had one pass away due it's not being
able to finish its molting (as I've emailed you prior) Granted there
are no WILLs and WON'TS about keeping a Longnose Hawkfish with these
tank inhabitants I already have stocked, but for the most part-with a
sharp eye on his behavior and taking the time to see how he reacts to
everyone else in the tank over a decent period of time... I was told he
would quite possibly be fine in the system. On the other hand, I've
read here a few times that keeping the Longnose Hawkfish along with some
of the livestock I have... is more of a risk than it is a chance for the
longnose hawkfish to wind up being peaceful. After reading what one of
you or your partners wrote, I decided I loved my shrimp far too much to
risk the chance of them being considered PREY. I cancelled my order for
the Longnose Hawkfish! ((((sad sad sad face))))
Can you tell me one
on one, why you would consider or wouldn't consider keeping the Longnose
Hawkfish in your system if you had mine? <Mostly because all hawkfish
are carnivorous predators. As you mentioned, there are variations and
possibilities, but if you really value that shrimp I wouldn't do it.
Mostly because things will likely be fine for a year and then one day...
the hawkfish will decide it's time for a snack.>
Lastly... I'd like
to have at least one more fish... and it's a bit hard to find one that
is going to be peaceful and compatible with close to every single
inhabitant in the tank... but I think I've come across one... The
Filamented Flasher Wrasse... Your opinion on keeping one of these with
my described livestock as my last fish for the system????? <Well, you
didn't mention the size of the tank...> Or could you possibly think
it's already way too overstocked, or close to be overstocked??? <Really
depends on the size of the tank.> Of all fishes whom lend exotic visuals
and more of a peaceful temperament... I narrowed it down to the
Filamented Flasher Wrasse... maybe you will tell me otherwise. <Is a
very pretty fish, but needs some room to be happy.> I can't wait to hear
from you guys!!!! Your time is always appreciated more than you can
fathom. Peace out.
Rocko
<Cheers, J -- >
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