Mexican Hogfish

(Bodianus diplotaenia)

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.

Mexican Hogfish are also sometimes known as Streamer Hogfish in the aquarium trade. Not often seen in the aquarium trade. Juveniles and adult Mexican Hogfish will have different coloration. Juveniles have an overall red body and horizontal black stripes. Adults are a maroon to brown body color with a yellow vertical stripe. Mexican Hogfish can grow to almost 30".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 300 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: BehaviorSocialSocial BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh