Candystripe Hogfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and Mauritius to Christmas Island and Japan. Found on deep outer reef slopes, typically at depths of 30 to 70 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Labridae. Features a long, pointed snout characteristic of the genus Bodianus. Grows to a maximum length of 10 cm.

Social Behavior: Solitary and moderately territorial. Can be assertive towards smaller, peaceful tankmates or other wrasses.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is marked with alternating bright red and white horizontal stripes. Features a prominent black spot on the operculum and another on the dorsal fin. No sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank size of 150 liters with plenty of live rock forming caves and crevices for shelter.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Feeds on small crustaceans and benthic worms. Provide frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, chopped krill, and high-quality pellets. Feed 2-3 times daily.

Water Quality: High water quality. Maintain temperature at 22-26°C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity at SG 1.020-1.025.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Safe with corals, but will eat small ornamental shrimp and crabs. Keep with semi-aggressive or active tankmates like tangs and damsels.

Aquarium Breeding: Not recorded in home aquariums due to deep-water origins. Broadcast pelagic spawners.

Risks and Diseases: High jumping risk; a tight-fitting lid is required. Very hardy once acclimated to aquarium conditions.