Axil Spot Hogfish

(Bodianus axillaris)

Add Bodianus Hogfish to aquariums with plenty of stable rock work for hiding, a deep sand bed and lots of swim room. If frightened they may burrow in the sand for protection. Hogfish are voracious eaters so provide a high quality meaty diet multiple times daily. Hogfish can be a bit territorial but do tend to get along with most tank inhabitants. They may pick at small invertebrates and crustaceans. Most Hogfish are hermaphrodites, meaning they are may turn from female to male at some point in their lives.

Axil Spot Hogfish are also sometimes known as the Forktail Hogfish. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade. Juveniles and adults may have color differences. Juveniles are generally black with white spots while adults are fuchsia color that turns to white on the rear of its body, black spot on its dorsal and anal fin. Axil Spot Hogfish can grow to almost 10".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 100 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium