Spanish Hogfish

The Spanish Hogfish, *Bodianus rufus*, is a vibrant and active wrasse native to the tropical waters of the Atlantic. Its striking coloration features a bright yellow anterior that transitions to a reddish-purple posterior, often with a distinct diagonal line separating the two colors. This eye-catching pattern makes it a beautiful addition to a marine aquarium.

A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for the Spanish Hogfish, providing ample space for its active swimming habits. They are considered an intermediate-level fish, requiring good water quality and a varied diet. While generally peaceful, they can become territorial, especially towards smaller or similar-looking fish. They are best kept with larger, more robust tank mates.

In the aquarium, the Spanish Hogfish will readily accept a varied diet of meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood. They may also consume small invertebrates, so caution should be exercised when keeping them with desirable crustaceans. They typically reach a maximum size of around 10 inches in captivity. Like other wrasses, they are known to bury themselves in the sand at night or when startled.