Cuban Hogfish
Bodianus pulchellus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
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 | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 120 gallons |
| Max Size | 12 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Cuban Hogfish (Bodianus pulchellus), also called the spotfin hogfish, is an Atlantic hogfish wrasse found from the southeastern United States through the Caribbean to Brazil. Adults typically show a deep red body with bright yellow toward the rear dorsal fin and tail, while juveniles are more uniformly yellow with a dark patch on the front dorsal area. This species is a bold, constantly curious swimmer that spends the day inspecting rockwork and open water.
What You’ll Observe:
- Regular “patrol loops” around the rock structure, stopping to inspect cracks and ledges
- Quick, purposeful bursts of swimming between perches and favorite hangouts
- Strong interest in feeding time, often meeting you at the front glass once settled in
- Foraging behavior on and around the rocks as it searches for meaty bits
- A consistent routine of returning to a preferred area to rest as the lights dim
To succeed, provide a stable tank with plenty of rockwork for exploration and clear swimming lanes. Offer a variety of meaty frozen foods and quality prepared carnivore diets on a steady schedule. In mixed communities, it does best when tankmates allow it comfortable access to food and space.
Can it live with cleaner shrimp or ornamental crabs?
It may treat smaller shrimp and crabs as food once it’s fully settled, so many keepers plan livestock choices accordingly.
Will it bother snails or other cleanup crew animals?
Some individuals ignore larger snails, while others show persistent hunting behavior toward small mobile invertebrates.
Is it normal for it to “stop” mid-swim and hover near the rocks?
Yes—many hogfish spend a lot of time pausing to inspect rockwork before moving to the next spot.
How do I tell if it’s getting enough food in a busy tank?
A consistent, eager response at feeding time and a steady, filled-out body profile are common signs it’s keeping up in the pecking order.
Does it need a specific “home base” in the aquascape?
Many keepers notice the fish picks a favorite zone and returns to it daily, especially later in the light cycle.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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