Spanish Hogfish
Bodianus rufus
Original price was: $92.99.$48.99Current price is: $48.99.
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Only 1 left | 2.25" or smaller - Caribbean | Original price was: $92.99.$48.99Current price is: $48.99. |
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Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 180 gallons |
| Max Size | 18 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Spanish Hogfish (Bodianus rufus) is a Caribbean hogfish wrasse known for a two-tone look—dark blue to reddish on the front half and yellow through the rear body and tail. In a large reef tank or fish-only setup, it brings constant motion as it patrols rockwork and open water looking for bite-sized foods.
What You’ll Observe:
- A “patrol” swimming style—looping laps around the tank and checking the same caves and ledges each day
- Quick, deliberate strikes at food, followed by repeated picking at the rockwork between meals
- Juveniles sometimes performing brief “cleaning station” behavior with larger fish
- A noticeable shift in presence as it matures, spending less time hovering and more time cruising the full tank
For best results, provide a larger aquarium with sturdy rockwork and multiple pass-through hiding spots so it can follow a consistent route. Offer meaty frozen foods (like mysis, chopped shrimp, and similar blends) on a regular schedule, and keep feeding areas consistent so tankmates learn the routine. It does best when its tankmates are confident fish that can share space without constant posturing.
Can a Spanish Hogfish change coloration as it matures?
Yes—many keepers notice the contrast and patterning shift with age and size, and adults can look more “solid” and less sharply divided than smaller specimens.
Does it actually clean other fish in an aquarium?
Juveniles may occasionally pick at other fish in a way that looks like cleaning, but most owners treat it as an interesting behavior rather than a dependable “service.”
Will it sleep in the sand like some wrasses?
Most Spanish Hogfish use rockwork—wedging into a crevice or sheltered pocket at night—rather than burying, especially in tanks with ample caves.
How do you get it onto prepared foods quickly?
A consistent feeding spot and small, meaty items (mysis-sized pieces) usually work best, and many hobbyists report faster response when food is offered in a few shorter feedings rather than one large dump.
Can it be kept with another hogfish or similar wrasse long-term?
It’s often simplest kept as a single showcase wrasse; if you try mixing similar-bodied wrasses, hobbyists commonly aim for very large tanks with clearly separated rock structures to create distinct “routes.”
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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