Hogfish

Spanish Hogfish

Spanish Hogfish, scientific name bodianus rufus, are often overlooked when it comes to saltwater aquariums. While they are not reef safe, they come in bright colors (yellow with bright blue or purple upper body) and can grow up to 8 inches in length. Their larger size means they require a large aquarium for success – we recommend at least 150 gallon tank, especially since they are very active swimmers during the day. At night they tuck themselves in the sand.

If you are a beginner aquarist, these saltwater fish are very hardy aquarium dwellers, adapt well to captivity and therefore are easy to take care of. The hogfish we sell are sourced directly from South Florida Caribbean waters. They are actually a type of wrasse and can be found throughout the Caribbean from South Florida all the way to southern Brazil.

Juvenile hogfish make great cleaners as they will consume parasites living on other sea life in your tank. As they become adults, they cease being cleaners. They are also omnivores and will consume small fish, snails, sea urchins, shrimp, etc. They are considered somewhat aggressive, so select their tank mates carefully. Finally Spanish Hogfish also have very sharp teeth, so be careful when feeding them!

We sell hogfish in a range of sizes from small up to full grown, which we designate as extra-large.

General Tips For Spanish Hogfish Care

  • 150 gallon tank or larger
  • Water temperature: 72- 78 degrees F
  • pH: 8.1-8.4.
  • Safe tank mates: angelfish,butterflies, grunts, hawkfish, other hogfish (if introduced at the same time)
  • Adults feed on: worms, mussels, brine shrimp, small fish