Coral Hogfish

Coral Hogfish (Bodianus mesothorax). It is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its striking coloration (contrasting red/orange front half with yellow rear), hardy nature, and active swimming behavior.

Males typically develop more vibrant coloration and can appear slightly larger and more dominant in behavior, while females/juveniles show a paler yellow-to-white coloration with a distinct dark patch near the tail that fades as they mature.

They reach about 8–10 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 75–90 gallons. Provide ample live rock for hiding spots and grazing, along with open swimming space, a stable sandbed or rock substrate, and a secure lid since they are strong swimmers and may jump.

Stable water parameters are crucial:

Salinity: ~1.020–1.025

Temperature: 72–79°F

pH: 8.1–8.4

Diet should consist of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, copepods, and high-quality pellets or frozen preparations. With proper care, this fish makes a colorful, hardy, and active addition to the aquarium, though care should be taken when keeping with small ornamental invertebrates as they may become prey.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.