Diana's Hogfish

Diana's Hogfish: The Large, Assertive Hunter

The Diana's Hogfish (Bodianus diana), also widely known as the Red Diana Hogfish or Spotted Hogfish, is a visually striking and moderately large member of the family Labridae (Wrasses and Hogfish). This fish exhibits a dramatic color change from juvenile to adult. Juveniles are a dark, rich brown or black with prominent white and yellow spots on the body and fins. As they mature, they transition to the adult coloration of a striking reddish-orange with a few white spots remaining near the dorsal fin and a scaly texture.

Native to the Indian Ocean, the Diana's Hogfish is a robust and long-lived predator. Adults can reach an impressive length of 7 to 10 inches (17-25 cm). Due to its ultimate size and active nature, a minimum aquarium size of 100 to 150 gallons is required to provide adequate swimming room and stability. The tank must contain plenty of stable rockwork for hiding, which this fish requires, and a secure, heavy lid as they are known jumpers.

This is one of the more aggressive hogfish species and is best suited for a Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) system where its predatory nature and territorial temperament can be managed.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Diana's Hogfish is a dedicated Carnivore and a highly efficient predator. Its natural diet consists of hard-shelled invertebrates such as mollusks, worms, and various crustaceans, which it actively roots out of the substrate and rockwork using its pointed snout. In captivity, it must be fed a varied, high-quality, and frequent diet of meaty foods, including frozen shrimp, squid, clam, mussels, and silversides. It is a voracious eater and should be fed once or twice daily.
• Feeding: Ensure all tankmates are getting their share of food, as this fish is fast and assertive during feeding time.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Not Reef Safe. While they generally ignore corals, they will systematically consume virtually all ornamental invertebrates, including snails, hermit crabs, smaller crabs, and all ornamental shrimp. They are also known to occasionally overturn loose rockwork while foraging.
• Temperament: It is Aggressive / Predatory. It should only be housed with large, robust, and moderately aggressive tankmates that can hold their own, such as large tangs, groupers, and aggressive angels or triggerfish. It will harass or eat smaller, peaceful, or delicate fish. It must be kept solitary, as it is highly territorial toward other hogfish and similar-looking species.
• Special Notes: As a protogynous hermaphrodite, the largest or most dominant female in a group will transition into a male, though they are best kept singly in a home aquarium.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Bodianus diana
• Primary Common Name: Diana's Hogfish
• Other Common Names: Red Diana Hogfish, Spotted Hogfish, Red Hog
• Origin: Indian Ocean (East Africa to Nicobar Islands)
• Max Size: 7-10 inches (17-25 cm)
• Temperament: Aggressive / Predatory
• Diet: Carnivore (Must be fed large, meaty frozen foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 100-150 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: No (Will eat all ornamental invertebrates)