Axilspot Hogfish
Bodianus axillaris
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2.25 - 4.25" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $161.99.$85.99Current price is: $85.99. | Email me |
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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.
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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 | 70 gallons |
| Max Size | 8 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Axilspot Hogfish (Bodianus axillaris) is also seen in the hobby under names like Panda Hogfish and Polkadot Wrasse. Juveniles are dark with distinct white spots, while adults develop a stronger two-tone look and a noticeable dark “axil spot” near the pectoral area.
What You’ll Observe:
- Cruises in and out of rockwork, using caves and ledges as “checkpoints” during the day
- Quickly learns feeding time and often meets you at the front of the tank
- Spends time inspecting crevices and picking at the rock surface between meals
- In larger aquariums, tends to claim a favorite sleeping cave and return to it consistently
Provide a 70+ gallon aquarium with sturdy rockwork, multiple hiding places, and open swimming room. Offer a variety of meaty foods (like mysis, vitamin-enriched brine, and other marine-based frozen foods) and mix in a high-quality flake or pellet for routine feeding. In mixed reef setups, it typically focuses on prepared foods and natural foraging rather than coral.
Will this fish change color/pattern as it grows?
Yes—many keepers notice a clear shift from the spotted juvenile pattern to a more contrasting adult look over time.
Is it normal for it to “patrol” the same areas all day?
Yes, this species often makes repeated loops between rockwork and open water, returning to preferred caves and ledges.
Can I keep two Axilspot Hogfish together?
It’s sometimes done successfully in larger systems when both are added at the same time and given multiple separate hiding areas.
Do I need a lid for an Axilspot Hogfish?
A snug-fitting lid is commonly used because hogfish can make fast dashes toward the surface, especially during active feeding periods.
What foods usually get them eating quickly?
Most start readily on mysis and other frozen meaty foods, then transition well to a mixed routine that includes quality flakes or pellets.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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