Rooster Hogfish

Rooster Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its long “rooster-like” dorsal fin, striking coloration, elongated body shape, and active swimming behavior. Males typically develop brighter coloration with more pronounced patterns and an elongated dorsal fin resembling a rooster’s comb, while females/juveniles are generally duller in color, often with mottled or brownish tones, and lack the fully extended fin structure.

They reach about 36 inches (3 feet) in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 500 gallons, as they are very large and active swimmers. Provide a sandy substrate, plenty of live rock for grazing and shelter, large open swimming space, and sturdy aquascaping. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4) and use a secure lid since this species may attempt to jump.

Diet should consist of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, clams, squid, and high-quality carnivore pellets. They may also eat small invertebrates, so caution is needed in reef aquariums. With proper care, this fish makes a standout showpiece addition to very large marine aquariums or public displays.

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.