IntermediateSemi-AggressiveReef Safe with Caution
Cuban Hogfish
Bodianus pulchellus
Family: Labridae · Hogfish
Also known as: Spotfin Hogfish, Cuban Hog
(c) James-LaFontaine, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Max Size
9"
Min Tank
100 gal
Lifespan
8-12 years
Origin
Western Atlantic, Caribbean
Diet
Carnivore
Swims
Middle
About
The Cuban Hogfish is a strikingly beautiful and robust wrasse species native to the deeper reefs of the Western Atlantic and Caribbean. Its coloration is dramatically split between a deep crimson-red to burgundy upper body and a vivid yellow lower body and tail, with the dividing line running cleanly along the lateral midline. This bold two-toned pattern, combined with a streamlined body shape and confident swimming style, makes the Cuban Hogfish an eye-catching centerpiece fish in any marine aquarium.
In the wild, Cuban Hogfish are typically found at moderate to deep reef depths of 15 to 60 meters, where they cruise along reef walls and slopes in search of small invertebrate prey. Juveniles serve as cleaner fish, establishing cleaning stations where they pick parasites from larger fish, a behavior that may occasionally persist in aquarium specimens. Like many large wrasse species, the Cuban Hogfish is a protogynous hermaphrodite, with the largest and most dominant females in a group undergoing sex reversal to become functioning males.
The Cuban Hogfish is an excellent choice for fish-only and carefully managed reef aquariums. While it will not harm corals directly, it will readily consume small ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and other small invertebrates, making it reef-safe only with caution. It is a hardy, disease-resistant species that adapts well to captivity and eagerly accepts most prepared and frozen foods. Its semi-aggressive temperament means it should be housed with similarly robust tankmates, and it may bully smaller, more timid species. At a maximum size of around 9 inches, it is one of the more manageable hogfish species for the home aquarium.
Feeding & Diet
Carnivore
Cuban Hogfish are carnivores that feed on a variety of small invertebrates in the wild, including crustaceans, mollusks, sea urchins, and worms. In captivity, offer a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, krill, chopped shrimp, squid, and high-quality marine pellets. They are enthusiastic eaters that readily accept most prepared foods. Feed two to three times daily.
Compatibility
reef-cautionsemi-aggressiveinvertebrate-predatorcommunity-compatiblehardycoral-safe
The Cuban Hogfish is semi-aggressive and may bully smaller, more passive fish. Best housed with similarly sized and temperament-matched tankmates such as tangs, angelfish, larger wrasses, and triggerfish. Avoid keeping with very small fish, ornamental shrimp, or delicate invertebrates. Generally ignores corals. Can be territorial when first introduced, so adding it last to an established community is recommended.
Check CompatibilityBreeding
Not bred in captivity
Cuban Hogfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, with dominant females transitioning to males in the absence of a dominant male. Spawning in the wild involves the male and female rising in the water column at dusk to release gametes. Captive breeding has not been achieved due to the pelagic larval phase and the difficulty of inducing spawning behavior in aquarium conditions. All aquarium specimens are wild-caught.
Special Requirements
- Will consume small shrimp, crabs, and snails - not safe with ornamental invertebrates
- Semi-aggressive toward smaller or timid tankmates
- Provide ample swimming space with rockwork for shelter
- Juveniles may perform cleaning behavior on larger tankmates
- Hardy and disease-resistant once established
- Best added last to the tank to reduce territorial aggression
Water Parameters
Temperature72–78°F
Specific Gravity1.02–1.026 sg
pH8.1–8.4
Alkalinity8–12 dKH
Coloration
redyellowburgundywhite
Tags
reef-cautionsemi-aggressiveinvertebrate-predatorcommunity-compatiblehardycoral-safe
