Spanish Hogfish
(Bodianus rufus)

Descrição

The common name for *Bodianus rufus* is the Spanish Hogfish. It’s also sometimes referred to as dogfish, hog snapper, or hogfish.

**Appearance & Behavior:**
The Spanish Hogfish is a captivating wrasse known for its vibrant coloration, typically displaying a striking mix of blue or red on its head and front body, transitioning to yellow on the majority of its body and tail. Juveniles often exhibit an orange-yellow body with a blue top of the head. These active diurnal (daytime active) fish are strong swimmers and have a distinctive elongated, pointed snout used for foraging. They are known to root through sand for food and can disturb the substrate. As juveniles, they may act as cleaner fish, removing parasites from other fish, but this behavior typically diminishes as they mature.

**Care Level:**
The Spanish Hogfish is considered moderately difficult to care for due to its size and temperament as an adult. While juveniles are relatively peaceful, adults become semi-aggressive to aggressive and territorial, especially towards smaller or more docile tank mates. They are hardy fish but require careful consideration for tank compatibility. They are generally not considered reef-safe as adults, as they will prey on crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and echinoderms like sea urchins and brittle stars. It’s best introduced as the last fish in a community.

**Tank Essentials:**
A minimum tank size of 500 liters (132 gallons) to 1500 liters (396 gallons) is recommended for a single Spanish Hogfish due to its active nature and adult size. They thrive in well-filtered marine aquariums with strong water movement and plenty of open swimming space, along with live rock for hiding. Maintain water temperature between 22-28°C (72-86°F), pH between 8.1-8.4 (or 8.0-8.5), and specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.

**Diet:**
The Spanish Hogfish is carnivorous. Their diet should consist of a variety of high-quality meaty foods, including marine pellets, frozen or live foods like Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, and other seafood. Juveniles may also consume parasites.

**Why Buy From Us:**
When you buy Spanish Hogfish online from us, you ensure you’re getting healthy aquarium fish that are responsibly sourced. Our strict quarantine protocols and humane shipping practices prioritize the well-being of every aquatic creature. Trust us for vibrant, robust marine life additions for your thriving ecosystem.

• Scientific Name: Bodianus rufus
• Common Name / Variant: Spanish Hogfish
• Maximum Size: 40 cm
• Origin: Western Atlantic Ocean (Bermuda, Florida, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, to Southern Brazil)
• pH Range: 8.0–8.5
• Temperature: 22–28°C
• Lifespan: 7–10 years (in captivity)
• Swimming Zone: Mid to Bottom

Add a striking Spanish Hogfish to your large marine display today!