Cuban Hogfish Care Guide
Bodianus pulchellus is a Western Atlantic reef wrasse with a red front and yellow rear, growing to about 28 cm.
Overview
Bodianus pulchellus, known in the aquarium trade as the Cuban hogfish, is a wrasse of the family Labridae described by Poey in 1860. Adults show a deep red head and forebody that transitions to bright yellow on the rear of the dorsal fin and upper caudal region, with an indistinct white stripe along the mid-body. Juveniles are bright yellow with a black blotch on the front of the dorsal fin.
Taxonomy
- Family: Labridae
- Genus: Bodianus
- Scientific name: Bodianus pulchellus
Habitat
The species occurs in the Western Atlantic from South Carolina and Bermuda through the Caribbean south to Santa Catarina in Brazil, with an additional record from São Tomé in the Eastern Atlantic. It is reef-associated, inhabiting both coral and rocky reefs. The recorded depth range is 15 to 120 metres, but adults are rarely found deeper than 24 metres.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L (132 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
This species is carnivorous. According to FishBase, adults feed on crabs and small shellfish, while juveniles act as cleaners, picking parasites from other fish. In the aquarium it accepts meaty marine foods offered around twice daily.
Compatibility
The Cuban hogfish is a semi-aggressive, diurnal, mid-water swimmer. As a predator of small invertebrates it will hunt ornamental shrimp and some snails, so it is not safe with small mobile inverts. Robust tankmates such as tangs, sturdy wrasses, triggerfish, and cardinalfish are more suitable.
Breeding
FishBase notes distinct pairing during breeding, and the species may hybridize with the Spanish hogfish (Bodianus rufus). Captive breeding is regarded as expert-level and is not commonly achieved.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is of minor commercial fisheries value and is taken for the aquarium trade.