Common name: Barred hogfish

Scientific name: Bodianus scrofa (Valenciennes, 1839)

General information

The Spanish Hogfish, Bodianus scrofa, is a vibrant and active fish that adds both color and character to a saltwater aquarium. It is known for its distinct coloration, with a yellow front and purple to maroon back, separated by a stark black band. Juveniles often serve as cleaner fish, picking parasites and dead skin off larger fish.

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 Needs hiding places and live rock
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet with meaty foods and veggies
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May nip at clams, inverts, and corals
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially to conspecifics
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
    Barred hogfish
    Bodianus scrofa (Valenciennes, 1839)
  8. Synonyms
    Cossyphus scrofa (Valenciennes, 1839)
    Crenilabrus caninus Lowe, 1839
    Diastodon scrofa (Valenciennes, 1839)
    Labrus scrofa Valenciennes, 1839
    Lepidaplois scrofa (Valenciennes, 1839)
    Pseudolepidaplois pfaffi Bauchot & Blanc, 1961
    Pseudolepidaplois scrofa (Valenciennes, 1839)
    Trochocopus scrofa (Valenciennes, 1839)

Care

Spanish Hogfish are considered moderately difficult to care for due to their size and dietary requirements. They can grow up to 40 centimeters in length, requiring a larger tank to accommodate their size and swimming needs. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and clams, supplemented with marine algae, will help maintain their health and coloration. They are not reef-safe as they may prey on small invertebrates and crustaceans.

Reproduction

In the wild, Bodianus scrofa exhibits protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging.

Habitat

Native to the Atlantic Ocean, the Spanish Hogfish is commonly found in reef environments, from shallow waters to depths of over 100 meters. They prefer areas with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming spaces. Their range extends from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea.