{"product_id":"coral-hogfish","title":"Coral Hogfish","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Coral Hogfish (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBodianus mesothorax\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e), also known as the Eclipse Hogfish or Splitlevel Hogfish, is a striking saltwater fish admired for its dramatic coloration, bold personality, and remarkable transformation from juvenile to adult. Juveniles typically display a deep burgundy to reddish-brown body decorated with bright yellow spots, while mature individuals develop a distinctive two-tone appearance. Adults feature a dark reddish-brown head and front half, a contrasting pale yellow to creamy posterior, and a prominent dark vertical band separating the two color regions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative to the Indo-Pacific, the Coral Hogfish inhabits coral-rich reefs, rocky slopes, and sheltered reef structures where it actively searches for crustaceans, mollusks, and other small marine animals. This member of the wrasse family is an energetic, inquisitive swimmer that brings movement and personality to a well-established marine aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Coral Hogfish is particularly well suited to spacious fish-only aquariums with appropriately sized tankmates. Although its coloration and active behavior make it an attractive display fish, its assertive temperament and natural predatory instincts require thoughtful aquarium planning. With adequate swimming space, stable water conditions, and a varied carnivorous diet, this distinctive species can become an impressive centerpiece in a larger saltwater aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 125 Gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Up to 10 inches (25 cm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Aggressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Carnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e No\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Indo-Pacific – Indian Ocean and Western Pacific\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBodianus mesothorax\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Coral Hogfish requires a spacious, established saltwater aquarium with plenty of open swimming room and substantial rockwork. Growing to approximately 8–10 inches in length, this active species should be housed in an aquarium of at least 125 gallons to accommodate its adult size, energetic behavior, and territorial tendencies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn ideal aquarium features sturdy live rock structures, multiple caves, rocky overhangs, and open areas for swimming. Sheltered retreats are especially important during acclimation, while sufficient space between rock formations allows the fish to explore and establish a territory without constantly encountering tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA sandy substrate is beneficial for natural foraging behavior, as this species may investigate or disturb the aquarium floor while searching for small invertebrates. All rockwork should be securely positioned to prevent shifting as the fish explores its surroundings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModerate to strong water movement, efficient protein skimming, and reliable biological filtration help maintain excellent water quality. Open swimming space should be prioritized over excessively dense aquascaping.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA tightly fitting aquarium lid or secure mesh cover is recommended, as hogfish may jump when startled or during territorial disputes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Coral Hogfish is a carnivorous marine fish that naturally feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Its strong jaws and specialized teeth are adapted for capturing and consuming a variety of marine prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn captivity, it should receive a varied, protein-rich diet consisting of high-quality marine foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended foods include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrozen mysis shrimp\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVitamin-enriched brine shrimp\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChopped shrimp, clam, squid, and mussel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrozen krill and marine carnivore blends\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh-quality marine carnivore pellets\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppropriately sized shellfish and crustacean-based foods\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed two to three appropriately sized portions daily, adjusting feeding frequency and quantity according to the fish's size, appetite, and activity level.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstablished Coral Hogfish are typically enthusiastic feeders and may become particularly assertive during mealtimes. Providing a varied diet helps support healthy growth, strong coloration, and overall nutritional balance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid relying exclusively on a single frozen food. A combination of marine seafood, quality prepared diets, and crustacean-based foods provides a more balanced feeding routine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Coral Hogfish has an aggressive temperament that often becomes more pronounced as it matures. Although juveniles may initially appear relatively peaceful or shy, adults can become territorial and may intimidate smaller, more passive fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is best maintained with robust, appropriately sized marine fish capable of coexisting with an active and assertive hogfish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable tankmates may include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger angelfish and dwarf angelfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTangs and surgeonfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRobust wrasses of different body shapes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAppropriately sized triggerfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarger hawkfish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther moderately aggressive marine fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid small, timid fish, delicate ornamental species, and slow feeders that may be outcompeted or harassed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCoral Hogfish may also display aggression toward similarly shaped wrasses, other hogfish, and individuals occupying overlapping territories. Adding this species after more peaceful tankmates have become established may help reduce territorial conflicts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeeping a single Coral Hogfish is generally recommended for most home aquariums. Multiple individuals should only be considered in exceptionally spacious systems with careful attention to compatibility and territorial behavior.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef classification: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot reef safe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Coral Hogfish is not recommended for traditional reef aquariums, particularly those containing ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough this species does not typically feed directly on healthy coral tissue, its natural predatory behavior makes it a significant threat to many animals commonly maintained in reef systems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePotential prey includes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrnamental shrimp, including cleaner shrimp\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall crabs and other crustaceans\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSnails and small mollusks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClams and other bivalves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine worms and benthic invertebrates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery small or vulnerable fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs the Coral Hogfish matures, its strong jaws and increasingly confident hunting behavior can make ornamental invertebrates particularly vulnerable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts active foraging may also disturb loose coral fragments, unsecured decorations, and areas of the substrate while searching for food.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor these reasons, a spacious fish-only aquarium with appropriately sized tankmates is generally the most suitable environment for this species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 75–80°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Coral Hogfish thrives under stable tropical marine aquarium conditions. Consistent temperature, salinity, and pH are important for maintaining long-term health and reducing environmental stress.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause this active carnivore consumes substantial quantities of protein-rich foods, efficient filtration, proper oxygenation, and regular aquarium maintenance are particularly important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid sudden changes in water chemistry. Maintaining consistent conditions is more beneficial than frequently adjusting parameters to achieve exact numerical targets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult Size and Swimming Space:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Coral Hogfish can reach approximately 10 inches in length and should be maintained in an aquarium of at least 125 gallons. Ample swimming room and secure rocky shelters are important for long-term housing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAggressive Adult Temperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Juveniles may initially appear relatively peaceful, but mature individuals can become territorial and aggressive toward smaller fish, similarly shaped wrasses, and other hogfish. Select robust, appropriately sized tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDramatic Color Transformation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Juveniles feature a dark burgundy body with bright yellow spots. As they mature, these markings disappear and are replaced by a distinctive two-tone adult coloration separated by a prominent dark band.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePredatory Behavior:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e This species naturally hunts crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and other invertebrates. Ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, clams, and vulnerable small fish are at risk, making fish-only aquariums the preferred environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eActive Foraging and Aquarium Security:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Coral Hogfish frequently investigate rockwork and substrate while searching for food. Secure aquarium decorations, provide multiple sheltered resting areas, and maintain a tightly fitting lid to prevent jumping.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Standard \/ S (1.1-1.5\")","offer_id":53461457338666,"sku":"HOGxCorS","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard \/ SM (1.6-2.5\")","offer_id":53461532180778,"sku":"HOGxCorSM","price":79.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ M (2.6-3.5\")","offer_id":53461532213546,"sku":"HOGxCorM","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard \/ ML (3.6-4.5\")","offer_id":53461532246314,"sku":"HOGxCorML","price":95.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard \/ L (4.6-5.5\")","offer_id":53461532279082,"sku":"HOGxCorL","price":107.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ XL (5.6-6.5\")","offer_id":53461532311850,"sku":"HOGxCorX","price":134.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard - Juvenile \/ (0-4\")","offer_id":53461566783786,"sku":"HOGxJCor","price":62.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Coral-Hogfish.png?v=1793809042","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/coral-hogfish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}