Common name: Sunrise wrasse

Scientific name: Bodianus sanguineus (Jordan & Evermann, 1903)
Rose-band Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus roseafascia)

General information

The Hawaiian Hogfish, Bodianus sanguineus, is a vibrant and captivating species known for its striking coloration and active behavior. This species is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where it is found in the wild, but it has also become a sought-after addition to saltwater aquariums due to its unique appearance and personality.

Adults typically display a bright red or maroon body with a white band behind the head, and juveniles often have a more muted coloration with a series of white spots. The transition from juvenile to adult coloration is gradual and can be a fascinating process to observe in the home aquarium.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
25 cm (10″)
Care level
Moderate to easy
Diet
Omnivore
Social
Solo
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive
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
    Sunrise wrasse
    Bodianus sanguineus (Jordan & Evermann, 1903)
  8. Synonyms
    Verriculus sanguineus Jordan & Evermann, 1903

Care

Hawaiian Hogfish are considered moderately difficult to care for, primarily due to their size and dietary requirements. They can grow up to 10 inches in length, so a larger tank is necessary to accommodate their swimming needs. They are also known to be somewhat aggressive, particularly towards smaller tank mates or those with similar body shapes.

A varied diet is crucial for the health of the Hawaiian Hogfish. They are carnivorous and should be fed a mix of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish flesh. It's important to ensure that they are receiving a balanced diet to maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Hawaiian Hogfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and have the ability to change to male later in life. This change is often triggered by social cues or the absence of a dominant male. In the aquarium, breeding Hawaiian Hogfish is quite challenging and not commonly attempted by hobbyists.

Habitat

The Hawaiian Hogfish is typically found in coral reef environments at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 60 meters. They prefer areas with plenty of live rock and crevices for hiding and foraging. In the aquarium, providing a similar environment with ample rockwork and hiding places is essential for their well-being.

Their natural distribution is limited to the Hawaiian archipelago, making them a geographically isolated species with no widespread distribution.