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Cyprinocirrhites polyactis - Swallowtail Hawkfish
The Swallowtail Hawkfish is a unique departure from the typical "sit-and-wait" behavior of most Hawkfish. While its cousins are content to perch on rocks, the Swallowtail is a more active swimmer that spends a significant amount of time in the water column. Its most defining feature is its deeply forked, lyre-shaped tail, which gives it a streamlined and graceful appearance. In the "Answering Machine" era of saltwater husbandry, this species is a sleeper hit for reef keepers who want the personality and "hawk-like" independent eye movement but with the added activity of an open-water swimmer.
Featuring a beautiful, mottled orange-to-red body, this fish is hardy, disease-resistant, and adaptable. It’s an excellent choice for mid-sized reef tanks or fish-only systems, providing both utility and constant motion.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Diet: Planktivore (Carnivore)
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 4.5 Inches
Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Husbandry Notes
The Swallowtail Hawkfish is a planktivore, meaning it naturally feeds on small organisms drifting in the water column. In the home aquarium, it should be fed a variety of meaty preparations like mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped marine meats. Unlike other hawks, they are less likely to harass ornamental shrimp, though caution is still advised with very small specimens. They are excellent jumpers, so a secure, tight-fitting lid is mandatory.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
The Swallowtail Hawkfish is a unique departure from the typical "sit-and-wait" behavior of most Hawkfish. While its cousins are content to perch on rocks, the Swallowtail is a more active swimmer that spends a significant amount of time in the water column. Its most defining feature is its deeply forked, lyre-shaped tail, which gives it a streamlined and graceful appearance. In the "Answering Machine" era of saltwater husbandry, this species is a sleeper hit for reef keepers who want the personality and "hawk-like" independent eye movement but with the added activity of an open-water swimmer.
Featuring a beautiful, mottled orange-to-red body, this fish is hardy, disease-resistant, and adaptable. It’s an excellent choice for mid-sized reef tanks or fish-only systems, providing both utility and constant motion.
Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.
Quick Specs
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Diet: Planktivore (Carnivore)
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 4.5 Inches
Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Husbandry Notes
The Swallowtail Hawkfish is a planktivore, meaning it naturally feeds on small organisms drifting in the water column. In the home aquarium, it should be fed a variety of meaty preparations like mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped marine meats. Unlike other hawks, they are less likely to harass ornamental shrimp, though caution is still advised with very small specimens. They are excellent jumpers, so a secure, tight-fitting lid is mandatory.
Expert Shipping & Logistics
We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from the facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.
