Lyretail Hawkfish

Cyprinocirrhites polyactis

Saltwater Fish Species Group: Hawkfish Family: Cirrhitidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Lyretail Hawkfish

General information

The Lyretail Hawkfish is mostly found feeding on plankton in the water column, which is similar to anthias behavior unlike its own family, which is known to perch more than swimming. The Lyretail Hawkfish can be identified by the presence of numerous short filaments at the tip of each dorsal spine. With its vivid colored pattern, the Lyretail Hawkfish makes a beautiful and stunning addition to any reef tank. It grows up to 6 inches in captivity and may be grouped with other Lyretail Hawkfish if are introduced to the aquarium at the same time. Although it might eat small fishes and shrimps, the Lyretail Hawkfish can be considered an excellent reef inhabitant under the right conditions. It lives among the tentacles or at the base of some larger sea anemones, therefore the addition of a sea anemone is encouraged but not necessary. The Lyretail Hawkfish might behave aggressively towards passive fishes that are introduced afterward.

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