Yellow-spotted Hogfish (Bodianus rufus)

Quick facts

Appearance

The Yellow-spotted Hogfish is a colorful wrasse with a bright red-orange head and upper body that transitions to yellow posteriorly. The body is covered with distinctive yellow spots or streaks, and a darker red stripe runs along the lateral line. Adults typically display a compact, robust body shape characteristic of the wrasse family.

Diet and feeding

Feed high-quality meaty foods including chopped shrimp, small fish pieces, and carnivore pellets. This species actively hunts small benthic invertebrates in the wild and should be fed 2–3 times daily in captivity, with amounts appropriate to appetite.

Difficulty and care for the Yellow-spotted Hogfish

Moderate difficulty. The Yellow-spotted Hogfish is hardy and adaptable but requires a 75 gallon minimum tank with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. It can be aggressive toward smaller fish and will prey on ornamental shrimp and small crustaceans.

Common health issues

Parasitic infections, ich, head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), fin damage from aggression

Origin and habitat

Western Atlantic from Florida and the Bahamas south through the Caribbean to South America, including the Gulf of Mexico. Commonly found on coral and rocky reefs at depths of 30–200 feet.