Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Aggressive

Semi-aggressive as they mature. They may bully smaller or newly added fish. Keep with similarly sized robust companions.

Diet

Carnivore

Predatory carnivores requiring meaty foods. Provide chopped squid, mysis shrimp, and krill. They will also accept sinking pellets.

Sex ratio

Solitary

Best kept singly in most aquariums. A male and female pair can be kept in very large tanks. Two males will be aggressively territorial.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Two or three daily feedings are sufficient. They have a healthy appetite. Ensure variety to maintain their health.

Bioload

Hogfish generate a moderate bioload. They are hearty eaters and active swimmers. Maintain good water quality with regular changes.

Flow

Strong

Moderate water movement is adequate. They do well in standard reef flow patterns. Ensure good surface agitation.

Jump risk

Yes

They can jump if threatened by tank mates. A secure cover is highly recommended. Keep water parameters stable to avoid stress.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Captive breeding is not commonly achieved. They are pelagic broadcast spawners. Larval stages are pelagic and hard to feed.

Compatibility & tankmates

With caution

Generally safe with larger fish. They will eat small crustaceans and shrimp. Not considered completely reef safe.

Tank level

All levels

They frequent the lower to middle regions. They like to swim around caves and crevices. They sleep in the rockwork at night.