Coral Hogfish
Coral Hogfish, Bodianus axillaris, is an active, hardy fish that adjusts well to aquarium life. Also known as the Axilpost Hogfish, its adult body fades from a plum color to white. Fins are yellow with a black spot on the lower and the upper fins. There is also a black spot near the gill plate. Its coloring is a stark contrast from its deep red-purple body with yellow spots as a juvenile. Unlike many other species whose transition can take years, this species is known to change in under a month. This Hogfish is considered aggressive as it will bother fish of equal or larger size and may pick on fish that are introduced after it has become established. As an eager carnivorous eater, it can be assertive when food is presented and must be fed multi-times daily. In the wild, the Coral Hogfish feeds on small crabs and shellfish, so caution must be used if placing the Hogfish in a reef aquarium. It may eat crabs, snails, shrimp, and Brittle Starfish. It may also harm clam mantles. To its favor, it will also eat nuisance pests such as bristleworms and mantis shrimp. This active fish requires a great deal of room to swim and is hardy and active. Meaty foods including live brine shrimp, black worms, or feeder shrimp are readily accepted.
Approximate Arrival Size for Coral Hogfish: Small: 1 to 2.5 in.; Medium: 2.5 to 4.5 in.; Large: 4.5 to 6 in.
Detailed Information about this animal.
