Common name: Blackfin hogfish
General information
The Horseshoe Hogfish, Bodianus loxozonus, is a striking species known for its vibrant coloration and unique horseshoe-shaped marking on its side. This species is part of the wrasse family and is appreciated by aquarists for its bold personality and pest control abilities, as it often feeds on unwanted bristle worms and other small invertebrates in the aquarium.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adapts well to captivity
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods, mysis shrimp
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusHogfishBodianus
- SpeciesBlackfin hogfishBodianus loxozonus (Snyder, 1908)
- SynonymsLepidaplois loxozonus Snyder, 1908Lepidaplois trotteri Fowler & Bean, 1923
Care
Horseshoe Hogfish are relatively hardy and can adapt to life in captivity if provided with a spacious tank that mimics their natural environment. They require plenty of swimming space and rockwork to graze on and hide among. A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and quality marine pellets, will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Bodianus loxozonus exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding them in captivity is challenging, and there are few reports of successful captive breeding.
Habitat
Horseshoe Hogfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops, usually at depths ranging from 10 to 60 meters. They are often seen alone or in small groups, foraging for food among the substrate.