pairing up flame hawks

[jadran]

is it possible?
As most of the owners know they are really difficult/impossible to sex and for that reason I gave up idea of getting a mate to my adult hawk.. Recently I acquired nice book about reef fishes : Basselets, Dottybacks & Hawkfishes by Scott W. Michael. In that book I came across info where michael say's that although hard to sex and so If aquarist would like to arrange Neocirrhitus armatus pair he should get two with great size disparity between selected individuals..According to writer that might increase the chances of getting male/female and juvenile.. Further on author speaks about big tank with plenty of hiding places and so on...Knowing clownfish changing processes I wonder if it would work with hawk..? I have 120g reef with established adult individual, pretty docile fish, i really love that guy and all activity and action it gives to my display..I would be delighted if i could arrange a mate for it..I wondering if anyone tried that before and what happened..? If there would be 50-60% chance of making it right I would be willing to take a chances but according to my knowledge and info (beside that info i Michael's book) Old and established fish would kill or stress newcomer to death..

any info would be greatly appreciated,

thx. for your time..

Mario

 

[Anonymous]

Go for it. It can't hurt to keep your new fish in a large clear container with hiding places near where your current hawk likes to hang out for awhile. Lets the 2 fish get used to seeing each other.

 

[dizzy]

I used to have a pair that got along famously. I agree with getting one larger than the other. I guess the odds are 50-50 that you'll end up with a pair. Depending on the tank set-up they can generally be removed fairly easy if it doesn't work out.
Mitch

 

[GSchiemer]

I did it successfully. I had an existing "large" flame hawk and added a tiny one to the same tank. There was no fighting and they paired up within a few hours. They haven't separated since. Be sure there is a significant size disparity between the two fish. It took me a while to find a tiny specimen.

FWIW, I did the same thing with my long-nose hawk. They're inseparable as well.

Greg

 

[jadran]

Wow, I have to thx. you guys for encouragement, honestly I didn't believe to get positive answer..Yes, it might take a while to obtain tiny specimen but I do see them occasionally and hopefully I'll score one soon..then I'll tell you about outcome :wink:

Michael mentioned that hawkfishes are protandrous hermaphrodites (as clownfishes) meaning males are able to change sex into females if the need arises which increases chances of creating a pair..

I still wonder about hawk's life cycle, what happens after larval stage? After metamorphosis when they transform into juveniles are they sexless as clownfishes are or all dependable on surrounding individuals develop first into males and then possibly into females later.. However i think in any given scenario chances are worth trying, I try it..

btw. my lonely flame says thx. too.

hehe, got to love that eye : )

 

[jadran]

I did it and got lucky !!

8)

 

[GSchiemer]

Congratulations! Hawkfish are very cool.

Greg

 

[Anonymous]

First, I'd have them start out slowly, you know, maybe IM al little get to know each other's quirks. Maybe meet for a non-commital lunch, or coffee.

These things cannot be rushed!

 

[jadran]

It all happened quite quick. When I introduced juvenile old hawk went hard on him so poor kiddie hid in the cavework while aggressor patiently waited for him above it. It was like that for some two hours.. At that point I thought I just wasted fish and money.. I went out and when I came back couldn't believe my eyes when I saw these two chilling together on my big encrusting hydno. New guy is still pretty shy so I can't take perfect pic of him but I expect that to pass in next couple of days..

 

[Anonymous]

Very cool! I didn't think it was possible...I'm glad that's not the case!

 

[Oceans Ferevh]

That is so cute

 

[WRASSER]

good job on the hawks ( all four of them) GS :!: