Mexican Hogfish
Bodianus diplotaenia
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2.25 - 4.25" - East Pacific | Original price was: $196.99.$103.99Current price is: $103.99. | 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 | Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 300 gallons+ |
| Max Size | 24 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Mexican Hogfish (Bodianus diplotaenia) is a large Bodianus wrasse from the eastern Pacific, often seen around rocky reef structure. Color and pattern shift with age and social role, with smaller fish showing warmer tones and striping while dominant adults develop heavier bodies and darker, cooler coloration.
What You’ll Observe:
- A daytime cruiser that patrols rockwork and open lanes, then settles into cracks and crevices to rest at night
- Fast, decisive feeding behavior, especially when offered meaty frozen foods
- Mostly solitary behavior, typically focusing on “its” section of the aquascape
- Noticeable changes in coloration and presence as it matures and becomes the dominant fish in the system
For best results, provide a very large aquarium with sturdy rockwork, caves, and open swimming room. Offer a varied carnivore menu (chopped seafood, shrimp, clam, and other meaty frozen foods), and keep feeding consistent so it stays engaged and active. This species does best when the overall stocking plan is built around it from the start.
How do hobbyists handle “cleanup crew” duties long-term with a hogfish in the tank?
Many keepers switch to heavier export (skimming, filter socks/rollers, refugium) and manual maintenance, rather than relying on lots of small mobile inverts.
Will a Mexican Hogfish take pellets, or is it “frozen-only” in most tanks?
Keepers often report best results starting with frozen meaty foods, then mixing in high-quality sinking pellets once the fish is feeding confidently.
Do hogfish benefit from hard or shelled foods in the diet?
Hobbyist discussions commonly recommend including occasional shell-on items (like clam/cockle) as enrichment alongside a normal frozen rotation.
If I want other fish later, when is the best time to add them?
A frequent suggestion is to add other fish early (or add them in groups), since established hogfish can become more possessive of their space over time.
Why do some listings call hogfish “reef safe,” but hobbyists still label them “with caution”?
Forum discussions often separate “coral-safe” from “invert-safe”—many hogfish ignore corals but still show strong interest in mobile invertebrates.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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