Common name: Mexican hogfish

General information

The Mexican Hogfish, Bodianus diplotaenia, is a vibrant and active species that adds both color and dynamic behavior to a saltwater aquarium. It is known for its striking appearance, with a purple front half and a yellow back half, separated by a black band. Juveniles have a different coloration, being primarily red with a black spot on the dorsal fin.

This species is part of the wrasse family, Labridae, and is appreciated for its hardiness and adaptability. It is not commonly bred in captivity, so most specimens in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.

Care

Mexican Hogfish require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and rockwork for hiding. They are known to be quite hardy, but they do best in well-established tanks with stable water conditions. This species can grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length, so a tank of at least 500 liters (125 gallons) is recommended.

They are not picky eaters and will accept a variety of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood. It's important to provide a balanced diet to maintain their vibrant colors and overall health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Mexican Hogfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. This sex change is usually triggered by social factors, such as the absence of a dominant male. In the aquarium, breeding Mexican Hogfish is quite challenging and not commonly achieved.

Habitat

Native to the Eastern Pacific, the Mexican Hogfish can be found from the Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. They inhabit rocky reefs and slopes, often in areas with strong currents, at depths ranging from 3 to 30 meters (10 to 100 feet).