Common name: Masuda's Hogfish

Scientific name: Bodianus masudai Araga & Yoshino, 1975

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

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Wrasses
    Labridae
  6. Genus
    Hogfish
    Bodianus
  7. Species
    Masuda's Hogfish
    Bodianus 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.