Coral Hogfish

Coral Hogfish

The Coral Hogfish (Bodianus mesothorax), also called the split-level or eclipse hogfish, is a striking, robust wrasse with a sharply divided body — dark purple-brown at the front giving way to bright yellow behind, with juveniles dramatically spotted in black and yellow. Hardy, active and full of character, it is a popular larger wrasse for fish-focused marine aquariums.

As with all hogfish, its appetite for invertebrates needs to be factored into the stocking plan.

Natural Habitat & Origin

Bodianus mesothorax is widespread across the Indo-Pacific, where it patrols coral and rocky reefs, often around overhangs and rubble, hunting small invertebrates over the bottom. Juveniles are sometimes seen acting as cleaners for larger fish before adopting the adult diet.

In the aquarium it appreciates substantial live rock with caves and overhangs to patrol, along with open water to cruise.

Care Requirements

Maintain stable marine conditions: salinity around 1.024–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, and a temperature of about 24–26°C (75–79°F). Reaching about 20 cm (8 inches), it is best given a roomy tank of around 340 litres (about 90 US gallons) or more. A secure lid is sensible, as active wrasses can jump. It is a hardy, adaptable fish that settles quickly and feeds readily.

Diet & Feeding

The Coral Hogfish is a carnivore that, in the wild, feeds on small benthic invertebrates — crustaceans, molluscs, urchins and similar. In the aquarium it eagerly accepts meaty foods: frozen mysis and enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and quality marine pellets. Feed once or twice a day; it is an enthusiastic feeder that soon learns to beg at the front of the tank.

Behavior & Temperament

This is a semi-aggressive, active fish that is generally peaceful toward similarly sized tankmates but can harass smaller or more timid fish, particularly as it grows. It is best kept singly and added to a community of robust fish. It spends its day cruising the rockwork in search of prey.

Tank Mates

Pair it with other robust marine fish — tangs, larger wrasses, angelfish and similar — that can hold their own. Avoid very small, timid fish. With regard to the reef, it is coral-safe but not invertebrate-safe: it will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, small crabs, snails and bristleworms, so keep it only in reefs without prized mobile invertebrates.

Breeding

Bodianus mesothorax is a protogynous hermaphrodite, as is typical for the genus, but it is a pelagic spawner not bred in the home aquarium. Trade specimens are wild-collected.

Common Health Issues

The Coral Hogfish is hardy but, like all marine fish, can be affected by marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) and marine velvet (Amyloodinium ocellatum), particularly when stressed. Quarantine new arrivals, keep water quality stable, and secure the lid against jumping. Given a roomy tank, robust tankmates and a meaty diet, it is a dependable and characterful wrasse for an intermediate marine keeper.