Lyretail Hogfish

The Lyretail Hogfish is one of the more elegant and visually striking members of the Bodianus genus, named for its distinctive lyre-shaped caudal fin. The front half of the body displays a rich reddish-orange to deep wine-red coloration, which transitions to a clean white rear section decorated with scattered dark dots and spots. This bold bicolor pattern, combined with the graceful lyrate tail, makes it one of the most attractive hogfish species available in the marine aquarium trade.

In the wild, the Lyretail Hogfish inhabits outer reef slopes and drop-offs throughout the Indo-Pacific, typically at moderate depths between 6 and 60 meters. Juveniles are commonly found in deeper water and may serve as cleaner fish, a behavior shared with several other Bodianus species. Adults are active predators that patrol the reef, feeding on hard-shelled invertebrates including crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and sea urchins. Their powerful jaws are well-adapted for crushing the shells of their prey.

Reaching about 8 inches in the aquarium, the Lyretail Hogfish requires a tank of at least 125 gallons with ample swimming space and rockwork for shelter. It is a moderately hardy species that generally acclimates well to captivity, though it can be somewhat shy during its initial adjustment period. Like other hogfish, it will consume ornamental shrimp and small crustaceans, making it unsuitable for reef tanks with prized invertebrates. It is best suited for FOWLR systems or reef tanks where invertebrate losses are acceptable. Its striking appearance and active swimming behavior make it an excellent display fish.