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.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 20 cm (8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Requires stable conditions
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods, mysis shrimp
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May show aggression to similar species
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusHogfishBodianus
- SpeciesMasuda's HogfishBodianus masudai Araga & Yoshino, 1975
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.