Common name: Barred hogfish
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusHogfishBodianus
- SpeciesBarred hogfishBodianus scrofa (Valenciennes, 1839)
- SynonymsCossyphus scrofa (Valenciennes, 1839)Crenilabrus caninus Lowe, 1839Diastodon scrofa (Valenciennes, 1839)Labrus scrofa Valenciennes, 1839Lepidaplois scrofa (Valenciennes, 1839)Pseudolepidaplois pfaffi Bauchot & Blanc, 1961Pseudolepidaplois 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.