Coral Hogfish

Coral Hogfish (Bodianus mesothorax)

The Coral Hogfish, also known as the Eclipse Hogfish or Mesothorax Hogfish, is a visually striking species. Juveniles are adorned with a burgundy body and yellow spots, but as they mature, they lose these spots and develop a burgundy face with a rosy-yellow rear, divided by a distinctive black stripe.

This fish is helpful in maintaining tank health by cleaning parasites off its tank mates. However, the Coral Hogfish should be housed in a 70-gallon or larger fish-only tank to prevent it from preying on reef inhabitants. It tends to be aggressive towards smaller, more docile fish that may be easily intimidated.