Common name: Spanish hogfish
General information
The Spanish Hogfish, Bodianus rufus, is a vibrant and active species that adds both color and dynamic behavior to a saltwater aquarium. Known for its striking yellow and purple coloration, this species is a member of the Labridae family, which includes wrasses. The Spanish Hogfish is often sought after by hobbyists for its beauty and its role as a cleaner fish, picking off parasites from other fish in the wild.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 40 cm (1′4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding places and open space
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys meaty foods and live prey
- Social
- Solo Can be territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May show aggression to smaller fish
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusHogfishBodianus
- SpeciesSpanish hogfishBodianus rufus (Linnaeus, 1758)
- SynonymsBodianus blochii Lacepède, 1802Bodianus bodianus Bloch, 1790Bodianus brachyrhynus Miranda Ribeiro, 1918Cossyphus bodianus Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Harpe caeruleoaureus Lacepède, 1802Labrus rufus Linnaeus, 1758Labrus semiruber Lacepède, 1801Lutjanus verres Bloch, 1791Sparus falcatus Bloch, 1791
Care
Spanish Hogfish require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room and rockwork to provide hiding places. They are known to be hardy and adaptable but can become territorial, especially as they mature. A varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and quality marine pellets will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the wild, Spanish Hogfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and potentially changing to males as they grow larger and older. Breeding in captivity is rare, but with a well-established environment and careful attention to their social dynamics, it may be possible for hobbyists to observe their reproductive behaviors.
Habitat
Native to the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to South America, the Spanish Hogfish can be found on coral reefs and rocky substrates. They are typically seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters deep.