Eclipse Hogfish
Eclipse Hogfish, Bodianus mesothorax, is known by a number of common names including the Splitlevel or Mesothorax Hogfish. Its name comes from the split- color pattern as an adult. Its front is a plum color, followed by a thick black line. Its rear portion fades from white to yellow. Its coloring changes from a 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 Eclipse 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 Eclipse 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.
