Saddleback Hogfish (Bodianus bilunulatus)
Fish in the family Labridae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Bodianus bilunulatus is a wrasse with a distinctive saddleback pattern: the body transitions from yellow-orange anteriorly to deeper red or purple posteriorly, with characteristic dark saddle markings across the dorsal region. Juveniles display more vibrant coloration and yellow body tones, maturing into deeper reds. The fish has a moderately elongated body typical of the wrasse family.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied carnivorous diet including high-quality meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely minced seafood, and small crustaceans. This species is an active forager and will also consume small invertebrates and fish larvae in the reef environment.
Difficulty and care for the Saddleback Hogfish
Moderate difficulty. The Saddleback Hogfish is hardy and adapts well to aquarium life, but requires adequate space, proper diet variety, and stable water conditions. It can be territorial with other wrasses and small fish, necessitating careful tankmate selection.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections (ich), bacterial infections, poor water quality stress
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, found on coral reef slopes and rocky areas.
Log Saddleback 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 Saddleback Hogfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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