IntermediateSemi-AggressiveNot Reef SafeIUCN: Least Concern
Spanish Hogfish
Bodianus rufus
Family: Labridae · Hogfish
Also known as: Spotfin Hogfish
(c) Susie, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Max Size
16"
Min Tank
125 gal
Lifespan
8-12 years
Origin
Western Atlantic, Caribbean
Diet
Carnivore
Swims
All
Did You Know?
- Juvenile Spanish Hogfish set up cleaning stations where larger fish queue to have parasites removed
- They are one of the few fish that can eat long-spined sea urchins by flipping them over to access the soft underside
- Their coloration varies significantly with age — juveniles are mostly blue-purple while adults develop more yellow
About
The Spanish Hogfish is a robust and strikingly colored wrasse relative featuring a deep purple-blue upper body that transitions to a vibrant yellow-gold lower body. Juveniles serve as cleaner fish on Caribbean reefs, picking parasites off larger fish — a behavior sometimes continued in captivity.
As members of the wrasse family (Labridae), Spanish Hogfish are active, intelligent swimmers that adapt well to aquarium life. They are hardy and disease-resistant, readily accepting a wide variety of foods. However, they are not reef-safe as they will consume ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and other invertebrates.
Spanish Hogfish grow to about 16 inches and need at least 125 gallons. While generally compatible with other large fish, they can become territorial as they mature. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, starting life as females and transitioning to males. Their bold personality and beautiful coloration make them excellent display fish for FOWLR systems.
Feeding & Diet
Carnivore
An active carnivore that feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, sea urchins, and small fish. In captivity, offer frozen mysis shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, and marine carnivore pellets. Will also eat flatworms and bristle worms, providing some pest control. Feed twice daily.
Compatibility
invertebrate-unsafeactive-swimmercleaner-fishFOWLR
Compatible with most large, robust fish. Will eat ornamental shrimp and small invertebrates. Juveniles may clean parasites from other fish. Can become increasingly aggressive with age, especially toward similar-looking fish. Best in FOWLR setups with tangs, angelfish, and other large species.
Check CompatibilityBreeding
Not bred in captivity
Spanish Hogfish are protogynous hermaphrodites. The dominant female in a group will transition to male. They are pelagic spawners and have not been bred in captivity due to the difficulty of raising larvae.
Special Requirements
- Will eat all ornamental shrimp, crabs, and small invertebrates
- Can become territorial with age — add to the tank last
- Needs open swimming space combined with rockwork for sleeping
- May rearrange loose substrate and small decorations
Water Parameters
Temperature72–78°F
Specific Gravity1.02–1.025 sg
pH8.1–8.4
Alkalinity8–12 dKH
Coloration
purple-blueyellow-goldbicolor
Tags
invertebrate-unsafeactive-swimmercleaner-fishFOWLR
