Barred Hogfish

The Barred Hogfish is a robust and colorful wrasse native to the Mediterranean Sea and Eastern Atlantic, where it inhabits rocky reefs and seagrass meadows. Adults display a striking pattern of reddish-orange body color with distinctive dark vertical bars, giving this species its common name. Its bold appearance and substantial size make it one of the more impressive Mediterranean marine fish.

In the wild, Barred Hogfish are found at depths of 5 to 200 meters, typically near rocky substrates where they forage for crustaceans, sea urchins, and mollusks. They use their strong, protruding teeth — a characteristic feature of hogfish — to crush hard-shelled prey items. This species is relatively solitary and territorial, establishing home ranges along reef structures.

In captivity, the Barred Hogfish is an uncommon but rewarding species that adapts well to aquarium life with appropriate conditions. A minimum tank size of 125 gallons is recommended due to its adult size of around 15 inches. While generally peaceful toward other fish, it is a dedicated invertebrate predator. Its Mediterranean origins make it an interesting alternative to the more commonly kept tropical hogfish species.