Bodianus bimaculatus

Datasheet

General Description:
The Twospot Slender Hogfish, scientifically known as Bodianus bimaculatus, belongs to the Labridae family and is commonly referred to by various names including Two-spot slender hogfish and Twospot pigfish. Native to the Indo-Pacific region stretching from Madagascar to New Caledonia, and from Japan to New Zealand, these hogfish are recognized for their unique feeding behavior where they search through the substrate for food by blowing water into the sand.

Aquarium Suitability:
Considered suitable for aquariums with caution, the Twospot Slender Hogfish demands plenty of space for swimming and hiding places such as live rocks. They can be initially shy in new aquarium environments, preferring to be introduced to more aggressive tank mates after acclimatization. Thriving better without other members of the same species present, they may exhibit aggressive behavior towards docile fish and invertebrates as they mature.

Care and Hardiness:
Characterized as hardy fish, Twospot Slender Hogfish can adapt to various water conditions within the recommended ranges of pH 8.1-8.4, temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness of 8-12 dKH. They require ample swimming space and hiding spots in the aquarium to feel secure and minimize stress.

Reef Suitability:
Considered reef safe with caution, these hogfish can be kept in reef aquariums with proper care. However, they may pose a threat to certain invertebrates such as worms, snails, small bivalves, and crustaceans as they grow larger.

Aquarium Setup:
When setting up an aquarium for Twospot Slender Hogfish, it is crucial to provide a spacious tank of at least 400 liters with ample hiding spots among live rocks. Maintaining good water quality, ensuring appropriate tank mates, and offering a varied diet are essential for their well-being.

Behaviour:
Twospot Slender Hogfish can be aggressive towards other species, especially those resembling themselves, as they grow older. They are known to hide for extended periods when kept with more aggressive tank mates, showcasing their shy nature initially in new environments.

Feeding and Diet:
These hogfish have a varied diet consisting of small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, other invertebrates, and zooplankton such as cyclops and pods. They are active foragers that scavenge through the sand in search of food, which can disturb the substrate and lead to cloudy water in the tank.

Dimorphism:
Twospot Slender Hogfish are hermaphroditic, capable of changing gender from female to male. When a male is required, a female can undergo a sex change and assume the male role for reproduction.

Habitat and Distribution:
These hogfish are found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Indonesia, and throughout the Central/West Pacific region. Their natural habitat includes a range from shallow to deeper waters with sandy substrates where they can forage for food and seek shelter among rocks and crevices.