Axilspot Hogfish (Bodianus axillaris)
Fish in the family Labridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Axilspot Hogfish is a small, robust wrasse with a bicolor body pattern: the anterior half is reddish-orange while the posterior half transitions to yellowish or white. A distinctive dark spot is present on the axil (gill cover area). The body is streamlined with a slightly pointed snout typical of the genus Bodianus.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied carnivorous diet including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, small crustaceans, and high-quality meaty preparations. Provide 2–3 times daily feeding to meet their active metabolism.
Difficulty and care for the Axilspot Hogfish
Moderate difficulty. The Axilspot Hogfish requires stable conditions, a well-established reef aquarium with hiding spaces, and careful selection of tankmates to minimize aggression toward smaller fish and invertebrates.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections, fin rot, and stress-related illness if bullied by larger tank mates.
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the East African coast to Hawaii, occurring in tropical reef environments.
Log Axilspot Hogfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Axilspot Hogfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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