The Freckled Hawkfish, also known as Forster's Hawkfish or Blackside Hawkfish, undergoes color changes several times during its lifetime. As a juvenile, it is burgundy with a yellow tail. As an adult, it may be pink, brown, or an olive color. The black or red freckles on the face are constant throughout its lifetime.

A 70 gallon or larger aquarium is necessary for this fish. It hunts crustaceans and smaller fish, and it should be the last fish introduced to a semi-aggressive to aggressive community of fish. It becomes very territorial and will harass new additions including other hawkfish and fish that are much larger than itself.

The Freckled Hawkfish diet should include a variety of marine meats, frozen preparations, and live feeder shrimp.