Bodianus unimaculatus

Datasheet

General Description

The Red pigfish, scientifically known as Bodianus unimaculatus, belongs to the Labridae family and is characterized by its substrate-feeding behavior with a distinctive snout. These hogfish are hardy creatures that exhibit tendencies to consume a variety of common fish foods. Mature Red pigfish are capable of posing a threat to various invertebrates, including worms, snails, small bivalves, and crustaceans.

Aquarium Suitability (or if suitable?)

The Red pigfish is suitable for aquariums but requires careful consideration due to its hunting behavior towards crustaceans, sea urchins, and worms. It demands a spacious habitat as it grows, making it essential to provide a large aquarium for optimal well-being.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Hogfish are considered hardy creatures but require ample space for swimming and hiding places, such as live rocks. Their aggressive tendencies towards docile species or those resembling themselves necessitate cautious tankmate selection. The species may hide for extended periods when housed with aggressive companions.

Reef Suitability

The Red pigfish is considered reef-safe with caution due to its invertebrate-hunting nature. When introduced to a reef tank, their behavior of searching through sand for food can impact the clarity of water and disturb detritus.

Aquarium Setup

To establish an ideal environment for the Red pigfish, it is recommended to provide a tank size of at least 1500 liters, with good hiding spots and ample swimming room. Maintaining appropriate water conditions, including a temperature range of 22.2-25.6 degrees Celsius, pH of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, is crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

The Hogfish exhibit a unique feeding behavior of blowing water into the sand to unearth prey, often trailing other fish that have disturbed the substrate. Their temperament can lean towards aggression, especially towards species that are less assertive or share similar characteristics.

Feeding and Diet

In captivity, Red pigfish thrive on a varied diet that includes larger crustaceans like shrimp and crabs, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans such as krill, mysis, and artemia. Ensuring a well-rounded and species-appropriate diet contributes to their overall health and vitality.

Dimorphism (and captive reproduction If covered)

The Red pigfish is hermaphroditic, capable of transitioning from female to male as needed. This unique feature allows for adaptive reproductive strategies within their social structures. Understanding the dynamics of gender change within the species can provide insights into their captive breeding and reproductive behaviors.

Habitat and Distribution

The native habitat of the Red pigfish spans across Australia, the East Pacific, New Zealand, and the Central/West Pacific regions. These coastal waters provide diverse ecosystems where the Hogfish thrive, showcasing their adaptability to varying environmental conditions.