Common name: Masuda's Hogfish

General information

Masuda's Hogfish, scientifically known as Bodianus masudai, is a vibrant and relatively rare species in the aquarium trade. This species is part of the Labridae family, which is known for the brightly colored wrasses. Masuda's Hogfish is distinguished by its striking coloration, with a yellow-orange anterior and a magenta to purple posterior, separated by a distinctive black band.

Care

Due to its rarity, Masuda's Hogfish is often sought after by advanced hobbyists. It requires a larger aquarium with plenty of swimming space and rockwork to provide hiding places. This species is known for being hardy, but it does best in a stable, well-maintained environment with high water quality. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and finely chopped seafood, will help maintain its health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Bodianus masudai exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. In the aquarium, breeding Masuda's Hogfish is quite challenging, and there are few documented cases of successful captive breeding.

Habitat

Masuda's Hogfish is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around Japan and the Izu Islands. It inhabits rocky reefs and slopes, typically at depths ranging from 40 to 100 meters. Due to its deeper habitat preferences, it is less commonly encountered by divers and aquarists.