Introduction
Bodianus rufus, more commonly known as Spanish hogfish, is a reef fish native to the tropical waters of the western Atlantic.
Its coloration varies depending on the depth: individuals in shallow areas display blue hues, while those in deeper areas tend towards red.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Type
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Average size28 cm
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Maximum size40 cm
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Type
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Average size28 cm
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Maximum size40 cm
How to recognize This fish ?
This species measures around 28 cm. However, dominant males can reach up to 40 cm. The body is laterally compressed and fusiform. The scales are large and clearly visible.
The back of the head, the front upper part of the body, and the front part of the dorsal fin are blue if they come from shallow waters, turning red if they come from deep waters. The rest of the body is generally yellow and possibly orangish. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins are mainly blue or red-yellow at the back.
Sexual dimorphism
The adult male is larger than the female, which undergoes sex reversal.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving in small groups
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territorialYes
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Way of livingdiurnal
A diurnal and relatively sedentary species, the Spanish hogfish generally lives in harems of 3 to 12 females (sometimes up to 20). The dominant male controls a territory and mates successively with each female. It is a carnivorous species feeding on brittle stars, crustaceans, mollusks, and sea urchins. Juveniles are facultative cleaners, removing parasites from larger fish.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare
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Hermaphroditeprotogynous
The Spanish hogfish is oviparous. The sexes are distinct during reproduction. This fish is always born female. As they grow, individuals change sex to become male, a type of protogynous sequential hermaphroditism. Sex reversal is accomplished in 7 to 10 days. Spawning occurs at dusk.
It may potentially reproduce with its congener, the black-backed hogfish (Bodianus pulchellus).
Harmless species
This species poses no particular danger to humans if encountered in its natural habitat.
Origin and distribution
Geographic distribution & Conservation
The Spanish hogfish can be found in all coastal areas of the tropical western Atlantic Ocean: from Bermuda, south of Florida, and throughout the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the south of Brazil.
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature22 - 28 °C
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Depth1 - 70 m
Biotope presentation
This fish frequents rocky and coral reefs, as well as algae-covered areas and seagrass beds. Adults live at depths ranging from 3 to 70 m, usually above 20 m. Juveniles specifically seek out large massive corals for shelter.
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
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Min volume500 liters
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Population min1
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Temperature22 - 28 °C
Characteristics
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Behaviourmoderately aggressive
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Une eau trop dure ou trop calcaire peut être inadaptée à de nombreuses espèces tropicales d’eau douce. Si nécessaire, vous pouvez la couper avec de l’eau osmosée ou de pluie filtrée afin d’obtenir une dureté plus adaptée aux besoins de vos poissons et de vos plantes. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for the spanish hogfish
The spanish hogfish is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 28 °C. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.
Cohabitation & Environment
Being a living in small groups fish, it is advisable to install at least 1 individuals in an aquarium of 500 liters minimum. Group maintenance is a prerequisite to ensure their well-being. Lonely individuals tend to quickly become stressed and become especially susceptible to disease.
The spanish hogfish has a strong character. Its maintenance with territorial neighbors in an inadequate volume will generate stress. ndeed, it will not hesitate to fight to protect its territory and to dominate its neighbors. It is important to think carefully about the constitution of the future population to avoid this kind of inconvenience. The aquarium should be arranged so that each species can comfortably define its own territory.
Tips for feeding
The spanish hogfish is carnivorous.
This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.
Feed animals in moderation to maintain good water quality. Meals should be eaten within 2–3 minutes, served in several small portions rather than a single large ration.
Uneaten food quickly decomposes, releasing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which disturb the aquarium’s biological balance.
Make sure each species can access food properly, slower or bottom-dwelling individuals may require targeted feeding.Reproduction protocol
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egg-laying protectionNo
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
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Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Aurélien Calas
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Marine Kassel
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
