Spanish Hogfish (Bodianus rufus)

The Spanish Hogfish or Bodianus rufus is just one of the many different species of Hogfish.  Its body has a predominantly yellow coloration with the upper half of the head and the dorsal area in blue-purple. While young, they are predominantly blue to purple, as the fish grows older the yellow area expands and becomes darker. Its maximum length is 40 cm (15-3/4"), but usually grows to just about 28 cm (11").

In nature they can be found in the Western Atlantic: Bermuda, southern Florida (USA) and throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea to southern Brazil. Spanish Hogfish inhabit coastal and clear shallow water (35 meters) and on coral or rocky substrate. They will feed on crabs, urchins and gastropods.

These saltwater fish are very active in the aquarium, but require places to hide at night, like caves and burrows and corals. They are very sociable, having no problems with other fish. In general are very hardy, and quite suitable for hobbyists.  You can check out the Spanish Hogfish in an aquarium setting in the video below.


If you have any additional information about the Spanish Hogfish please leave us a comment below.
Courtesy of Ellano J. Silva - Fisheries engineering student (UFERSA- Brazil)

Red Diana Hogfish (Bodianus diana)

The Red Diana Hogfish or Bodianus diana is an odd looking fish that can be kept in an aquarium setting, but can be rather aggressive, and should not be housed with docile fish. They have a red body with white spots and white lines on their faces. Their tails and fins have black spots that could almost be considered a series of eye spots. All this makes for one beautiful fish! You can check out a young Red Diana Hogfish underwater in the video below...

Red Diana Hogfish go by a few different names including the Spotted Hogfish and Diana Hogfish and are just one of the many different species of Hogfish. These saltwater fish are from the Labridae family and are not particular large, only growing to about 10" in length. They originate from the Indo-Pacific, but have since become quite popular as pets. When they are young they are often seen picking parasites off of larger fish. As you can see in the picture below their coloration changes quite a bit as they mature.

If you are thinking of keeping the Red Diana Hogfish in your aquarium you should note that they are not reef compatible, and require the following water conditions in a tank of 60 gallons or more, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 and sg 1.020-1.025. These fish are carnivores that require a meaty diet including small feeder fish, worms, mussels and snails. As with many other species of fish, providing plenty of hiding spots keeps this fish happy and healthy.

Cuban Hogfish (Bodianus pulchellus)

The Cuban Hogfish or Bodianus pulchellus is a saltwater fish that has a multicolored body. Its head and body are mostly red and white with some yellow in the tail. The brightness of this fish can vary be a great deal depending on water conditions and feeding habits.

Also known as the Spotfin Hogfish this type of Hogfish requires a large aquarium of at least 100 gallons. Water conditions are as follows 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, and sg 1.020-1.025. These beautiful fish can grow to about 8" in maximum length and originate in the Caribbean. They are carnivores that should be fed small feed fisher, brine shrimp, mussels, worms and even squid.If you are considering a tankmate for your Cuban Hogfish just make sure they are larger than a Wrasse as this species of Hogfish can become aggressive at feeding time. This makes is harder for smaller fish to get their fill.

Lyretail Hogfish (Bodianus anthioides)

The Lyretail Hogfish or Bodianus anthioides looks like someone took two complete different fish and put them together. The front of this fish looks much like the standard Goldfish with its red and orange face. Take a look at the back of this fish though and you will see an amazing display of white and red with polka dots.

This saltwater Hogfish from the Labridae family can grow to about 8" in maximum length. This combine with the fact that they can be aggressive towards others in the aquarium make an aquarium of no less than 75 gallons acceptable. The Lyretail Hogfish should be provided plenty of hiding spaces as well. This will help keep them from becoming overly aggressive. Water temperatures of 72-78° F with a sg of 1.020-1.025 and a PH level of 8.1-8.4 is recommended. When young these fish will simply munch on parasites on its tank mates. After it becomes larger it should be fed meaty foods such as snails, worms, mussels, and small fish. In the wild this fish has the unique ability of blowing water onto the bottom sandy bottom to uncover its meal. It may even blow water over the sand to uncover food.