Twospot Hogfish

Twospot Hogfish: The Colorful, Shrimp-Eating Predator

The Twospot Hogfish (Bodianus bimaculatus), also commonly known as the Twospot Candy Hogfish or Yellow Hogfish, is a vibrant and relatively small member of the Wrasse family (Labridae). This striking fish is known for its beautiful yellow to orange body, often accented by thin reddish horizontal stripes, a small black spot behind the eye, and a distinct black or red spot on the tail base (caudal peduncle)—hence its common names.

Originating from the Indo-Pacific, this species is typically found in deep reef slopes and areas with rubble and sand. It reaches a maximum size of about 4 inches (10 cm), making it one of the smallest and most manageable hogfish for the home aquarium. A minimum tank size of 30 to 50 gallons is generally recommended, provided the tank has ample rockwork for hiding and swimming space.

While generally considered peaceful toward larger, established fish, the Twospot Hogfish is a dedicated carnivore and a relentless hunter of small invertebrates. Caution is necessary in a reef tank setting.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Twospot Hogfish is a Carnivore with a voracious appetite. In the wild, it feeds on small crustaceans, worms, and mollusks by actively probing and blowing jets of water into the sand and rockwork. In captivity, it should be fed a varied diet of high-quality, meaty frozen foods, such as Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, krill, and chopped seafood. It will usually accept marine pellets and flakes over time.
• Feeding: It is an active eater and should be fed 2-3 times per day. Ensure it is getting enough food, as its high metabolism makes it prone to starvation in systems with limited natural food sources.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe With Caution. It poses no threat to corals (stony or soft) but will actively hunt and consume most ornamental invertebrates, including small snails, hermit crabs, copepods, and nearly all ornamental shrimp (peppermint, cleaner, or pistol shrimp) that are introduced after the hogfish has settled.
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive/Predatory. It is generally peaceful toward other fish of similar size, though it may be territorial with other hogfish or fish that closely resemble it (like certain wrasses). It is known to be a jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
• Special Notes: Like all Hogfish, it is a protogynous hermaphrodite, meaning all individuals start as females and the dominant female may later change into a male.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Bodianus bimaculatus
• Primary Common Name: Twospot Hogfish
• Other Common Names: Twospot Candy Hogfish, Yellow Hogfish, Twinspot Hogfish
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Predatory
• Diet: Carnivore (Meaty foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 30-50 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Will eat ornamental shrimp and crabs)