Hogfish

Bold, Colorful Wrasse Family Members

Hogfish are vibrant, intelligent saltwater fish known for their long snouts, bold personalities, and striking coloration. Though they belong to the Wrasse family (Labridae), Hogfish are distinct for their thicker bodies and unique feeding habits, making them a favorite among advanced marine aquarists and large reef enthusiasts.

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Found throughout the tropical Atlantic and Indo-Pacific oceans, Hogfish are active hunters that spend much of their time foraging near the substrate for crustaceans and mollusks. Their long, pig-like snouts are perfectly designed for rooting through sand and rocks—hence the name “Hogfish.”

At AquariumFish.com, we offer select Hogfish for sale suitable for both large fish-only marine systems and carefully planned reef aquariums. Each specimen is hand-selected, acclimated, and shipped overnight to ensure a healthy, vibrant arrival.

Why Choose Hogfish?

  • Colorful and highly active swimmers
  • Intelligent and responsive to their environment
  • Durable and long-lived when properly cared for
  • Great centerpiece fish for larger saltwater aquariums

Care Tips for Hogfish

  • Provide a 75-gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of swimming space
  • Include live rock for natural foraging and hiding
  • Feed a high-protein diet of shrimp, squid, clams, and quality marine pellets
  • Best kept singly or with larger, semi-aggressive tankmates

Popular Hogfish Species We Offer

  • Lyretail Hogfish (Bodianus anthioides) – bright red body with white stripe and elegant tail
  • Spanish Hogfish (Bodianus rufus) – vibrant yellow and purple coloration; hardy and bold
  • Diana’s Hogfish (Bodianus diana) – graceful species with magenta and gold tones
  • Axilspot Hogfish (Bodianus axillaris) – deep red and orange hues with distinctive white spots
  • Cuban Hogfish (Bodianus pulchellus) – robust and colorful; ideal for large marine displays

Hogfish are best suited for experienced aquarists who can provide space and proper nutrition. They add color, intelligence, and motion to any saltwater aquarium and make excellent companions for other medium-to-large marine fish.


Hogfish FAQs

Are Hogfish reef-safe?
Some smaller species, such as the Lyretail Hogfish, can be kept in reef aquariums with caution. However, they may eat small shrimp or crabs. Larger Hogfish are best suited to fish-only or FOWLR tanks.
Can Hogfish live with Wrasses and Angels?
Yes — Hogfish coexist well with other medium to large semi-aggressive species like Wrasses, Tangs, and Angels when given adequate space and hiding areas.
Do Hogfish change color as they grow?
Many species do! Juvenile Hogfish often display different color patterns than adults, transitioning to more vivid hues as they mature.

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