Candy Striped Hogfish

The Candy Stripe Hogfish is an attractive fish which looks great in an aquarium. They undergo a colour change as they mature, after starting off black and white as juveniles. Adults develop 4 thick red stripes along their body. There is an isolated black area over the caudal peduncle and a white crescent in the tail fin. The dorsal fin is white/clear with a thin red stripe running down it. Pectoral and anal fins are white/clear.

This species is sequential protogynous hermaphrodites. They are born female but can become male. There are no distinctive visible differences between males and females. In their social group, the biggest fish is a dominant male. If he dies the biggest female will change sex and replace him. Candy Stripe Hogfish form pairs when breeding and are oviparous.

Candy Stripe Hogfish inhabit the Indo-Pacific region. Locations include the Red Sea, Indonesia, Line Islands and Fiji. They usually congregate on ledges or drop-offs, below depths of 20 meters. Juveniles are found deeper at 50 meters.

Tank Recommendations for your Candy Stripe Hogfish

Tank capacity should be at least 75 gallons (284 litres) for these fish.

Candy Stripe Hogfish are reefs safe but will consume small ornamental shrimp. They are also suitable for a fish only aquarium. This species can easily jump out of a tank, so a secure cover is essential.

A tank should be mature and have plenty of live rock for feeding and caves for shelter.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Candy Stripe Hogfish are semi-aggressive. Juveniles are more suited to co-habiting with non-aggressive tank buddies. But as adults, they can become more dominant and bully smaller, docile fish. They can be territorial and show aggression to conspecifics. If adding more than one to a tank it is best to introduce them simultaneously.

Usually Compatible

Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Foxface/Rabbitfish, Hawkfish, Pufferfisd, and Tangs will all make great tankmates.

Sometime Compatible

Small non-aggressive fish are only preferable with juvenile Candy Stripe Hogfish. Conspecifics should be added at the same time to prevent aggression. Caution is advised with Anglerfish/Frogfish, Blennies, Clownfish, Dragonets, Gobies, and Lionfish/Scorpionfish.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid housing with Seahorses, Pipefish, and small invertebrates.

Feeding your Candy Stripe Hogfish

Candy Stripe Hogfish are carnivorous. They will eat a variety of fresh and frozen meaty foods. Suitable products include vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and krill. Fresh food such as finely chopped cockles, mussels and prawns can also be included. They should be fed small amounts 2-3 times per day.