Common name: Splitlevel hogfish

General information

The Blackspot Hogfish, scientifically known as Bodianus mesothorax, is a vibrant and captivating species popular among saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. This species is part of the Labridae family, which is known for the brightly colored wrasses. The Blackspot Hogfish is particularly noted for its striking coloration, with a yellow front half and a magenta to purple rear half, separated by a distinctive black spot on the dorsal fin.

Juveniles often serve as cleaner fish, picking off parasites from other fish, which makes them a beneficial addition to a community tank. As they mature, their diet changes, and they become less interested in cleaning.

Care

Blackspot Hogfish require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and hiding places, as they can grow up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) in length. They thrive in a well-established aquarium with stable water conditions and a sandy substrate that allows them to forage naturally. A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and quality marine pellets, will help maintain their health and color vibrancy.

Reproduction

In the wild, Bodianus mesothorax exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they grow larger and more dominant. Breeding in captivity is rare, and specific triggers for spawning are not well understood.

Habitat

The Blackspot Hogfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the central Pacific, including the Red Sea, Hawaii, and Japan. They typically inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops at depths ranging from 10 to 60 meters (33 to 197 feet), where they can be seen foraging for food or interacting with other reef inhabitants.