How to Care for Starfish With Hawkfish

Hawkfish are a family of marine fish known for their hunting behavior, as well as their interesting appearance. There are about 35 species of hawkfish. Most are considered hardy and relatively easy to keep, although each species requires specific care. There are also many different kinds of starfish that can be kept in the home aquarium. Starfish are somewhat harder to keep than hawkfish as they are not known as hardy and often encounter health problems due to feeding or water conditions. When keeping the two species together, make sure that both have their needs met.

Things You'll Need

  • Large saltwater aquarium
  • Hydrometer
  • Water testing kit
  • Thermometer
  • Water additives
  • Aquarium salt
  • Aquarium heater
  • Various starfish and hawkfish foods
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Instructions

    • 1

      Only keep starfish and hawkfish species together that have similar water needs. Both species are marine, meaning the live in saltwater. However, each starfish or hawkfish comes from a different area naturally and requires different salinity and pH levels, as well as temperature. If your hawkfish cannot live in the temperature range of your chosen starfish you cannot keep them in the same aquarium.

    • 2

      Provide adequate space for each species. Both starfish and hawkfish require a certain amount of space, depending on the species. Sometimes the amount of space one of these species needs can be quite surprising, as the amount doesn't necessarily depend on the creature's size but how much territory or room to move it needs. Research both the starfish and hawkfish species you want, then provide an aquarium that can comfortably accommodate them.

    • 3

      Maintain the levels of salinity, pH and temperature so that both the hawkfish and starfish are comfortable. Don't let fluctuations happen, as this can cause serious health problems. It's best to monitor these levels in an aquarium daily. A hydrometer can measure specific gravity, which relates to salinity, while a thermometer measures temperature and a water testing kit can measure pH, as well as other levels, such as nitrates and ammonia, which can affect the health of the hawkfish and starfish. Water additives, aquarium salt and an aquarium heater can be used to adjust the levels.

    • 4

      Only place starfish that are not known to hunt fish in the aquarium with the hawkfish. Some starfish, such as the green brittle star, can snare small fish and eat them. Choose a starfish that is as large or larger than the hawkfish, because they are hunters and will often eat smaller invertebrates.

    • 5

      Provide adequate food. Hawkfish can be fed a variety of meaty foods, such as flake fish foods, or even live or frozen meals of small crustaceans, like shrimp and fish. Starfish are also generally carnivorous. They need to be target fed, which means that small meaty foods must be placed directly in front of them to ensure that they eat. Other species require more specific foods needs, which may be more challenging to accommodate. Research the specific species you have. Feeding both species adequately means they will be less likely to attempt to prey on each other.