Candy Hogfish

The Candy Hogfish, *Bodianus pulchellus*, is a vibrant and active wrasse that adds a splash of color to any Western Atlantic-themed or mixed reef aquarium. Its striking pattern features alternating bands of bright red and yellow, giving it a candy-cane like appearance that is sure to catch the eye.

A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for the Candy Hogfish, providing ample space for this active swimmer. They are considered to have an intermediate care level, requiring stable water parameters and a varied diet. While generally peaceful towards most tank mates, they can be territorial with other wrasses or similar-shaped fish, especially in smaller aquariums. They are known to occasionally nip at sessile invertebrates, so caution should be exercised when housing them with corals and other invertebrates.

In the aquarium, the Candy Hogfish will readily accept a varied diet of high-quality marine flake food, pellet food, frozen mysis shrimp, and enriched brine shrimp. Offering a diverse diet will help maintain their vibrant colors and overall health. They are also known to consume small invertebrates like snails and hermit crabs, which can be beneficial for controlling nuisance populations. They typically reach a maximum size of around 8 inches in captivity.