Coral Hogfish (Bodianus Mesothorax)
Coral Hogfish (Bodianus Mesothorax)
The Coral Hogfish (Bodianus mesothorax), also known as the Eclipse Hogfish, is a vibrant and hardy member of the wrasse family that brings striking color to marine setups. Adults feature a distinctive split coloration with a rich purplish-red front and a bright yellow to white rear, divided by a bold diagonal black band, while juveniles showcase a dark burgundy body covered in brilliant yellow spots.
As an active and powerful swimmer reaching up to 20 to 25 cm in length, this species thrives best in a spacious Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) aquarium of at least 265 to 379 liters. Due to its carnivorous diet and predatory nature toward ornamental invertebrates, pair it with robust tankmates and ensure the tank has a secure, tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping.
Key Features
| Scientific Name | Bodianus mesothorax |
| Common Name | Coral Hogfish |
| Alternative Names | Eclipse Hogfish, Split-level Hogfish, Black-belt Hogfish |
| Family | Labridae |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific (Western Pacific, Eastern Indian Ocean) |
| Maximum Size | 20-25 cm |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Minimum Tank Size | 265-379 L |
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive / Predatory |
| Reef Compatibility | With Extreme Caution (Consumes Invertebrates) |
| Water Type | Marine / Saltwater |
Highlights
- Diet: The Coral Hogfish is a carnivore and opportunistic hunter. Its natural diet includes small crustaceans, snails, worms, and mollusks which it actively roots out of the substrate and rockwork. In the aquarium, it requires a varied diet of meaty frozen foods, such as mysis shrimp, finely chopped raw shrimp, squid, scallops, and krill. High-quality marine pellets can also be accepted.
- Feeding: Feed 2-3 times daily. Hogfish are voracious eaters, and frequent feedings are necessary to maintain their health and activity.
- Reef Compatibility: It is reef safe with extreme caution and generally not recommended for a typical reef setup. While it typically ignores corals, it poses a severe threat to the clean-up crew and ornamental invertebrates. It will systematically hunt and consume snails, hermits, fire shrimp, peppermint shrimp, small starfish, worms, and clam mantles. It is best suited for a fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) aquarium.
- Temperament: It is semi-aggressive to aggressive. The Coral Hogfish can be a bully, especially when housed with smaller, more timid fish. Tankmates should be medium-to-large, robust, and moderately aggressive species that can hold their own, such as large tangs, triggers, and aggressive angels. It is territorial and should be kept singly unless the tank is very large and a confirmed male/female pair is obtained.
Compatibility
Best suited for Fish-Only-With-Live-Rock (FOWLR) systems with medium-to-large, robust tankmates such as large tangs, triggerfish, and aggressive angelfish. Not recommended for standard reef setups containing ornamental shrimp, snails, or crabs.
Frequently asked questions
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Important Fulfillment Information
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