Bodianus opercularis

Datasheet

General Description

The Blackspot Hogfish, also known as Candystripe Hogfish or Red-striped Hogfish, belongs to the Labridae family (Bodianus). These hogfish are characterized by their unique feeding behavior, using their snout to search for food in the substrate by blowing water down into the sand. They are hardy fish that exhibit aggression towards smaller invertebrates as they grow, such as worms, snails, small bivalves, and crustaceans.

Aquarium Suitability

The Blackspot Hogfish is considered suitable for aquariums but requires careful consideration due to its aggressive behavior towards other species and the need for ample space to swim. They are known to hide for prolonged periods, especially when kept with more aggressive tank mates. Additionally, they can exhaust their natural food sources in aquarium settings, causing water to become cloudy and disturbing detritus in the sand.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Being hardy fish, Blackspot Hogfish are relatively easy to care for but need hiding places like live rocks in the aquarium. They prefer plenty of space for swimming and are known to be initially shy when introduced to a new environment. The species can transition from female to male as needed and exhibit aggression towards docile species or those resembling themselves when fully grown.

Reef Suitability

Blackspot Hogfish are considered reef-safe with caution, as they may pose a threat to smaller crustaceans common in reef environments. Their behavior towards invertebrates should be monitored in a reef setting.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Blackspot Hogfish, ensure there are sufficient hiding places, like live rocks, and ample swimming space. Water conditions should be maintained at a temperature of 22.2-25.6°C, pH between 8.1-8.4, salinity between 1.020-1.025, and carbonate hardness (KH) between 8-12.

Behaviour

These hogfish have a tendency to be aggressive towards other fish species, particularly as they mature. They can become territorial and will need space for swimming and hiding to exhibit their natural behavior without causing issues with tank mates.

Feeding and Diet

Blackspot Hogfish have a varied diet that includes larger crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. Ensuring a diverse diet will help support their health and vitality in captivity.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Blackspot Hogfish can be found in the Indian Ocean from the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba in the north to Madagascar and Mauritius in the south, extending east to Christmas Island. They typically inhabit reef environments where they can search for food in the sand and interact with other marine species.