Coral Hogfish - Medium Adult

The Coral Hogfish develops its striking appearance as it matures. Juveniles are maroon with a selection of yellow blotches dotted over their body. Adults lose these yellow blotches and develop a split colour pattern. Their front half is maroon over the face and head, and black behind it. This is separated diagonally from their white and yellow rear half. The dorsal fin colours match the body and are separated by the same diagonal line. The tailfin is white, and the pelvic and anal fins are yellow.

There is not much information about this species breeding habits. They are hermaphroditic, with the females changing sex if a male is required. They mate in distinct pairs and are oviparous, spawning eggs which hatch youngsters.

Coral Hogfish are found in the Eastern Indian and Western Pacific Oceans. They are distributed across the Nicobar Islands, Indonesia Japan, Australia, and Fiji. They are reef dwellers, usually seen at depths of between 5-40 meters.

Tank Recommendations for your Coral Hogfish

Coral Hogfish need a tank capacity of at least 70 gallons (265 liters).

Juvenile Coral Hogfish are reefs safe, but adults are not. Adults should be kept in a fish only tank as they will consume most reef inhabitants.

A tank should have plenty of rock with crevices and caves available for hiding. There should also be an open space for swimming and a sand substrate.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Coral Hogfish are an aggressive species. Juveniles can co-habit with docile, non-aggressive tank buddies. Adults will become more aggressive and need to be moved.

Adult Coral Hogfish are best suited to an aggressive environment.

Usually Compatible

Larger fish that aren't easily bullied are preferable tank buddies for adults. Juveniles can cohabit with smaller more peaceful species of fish. Suitable companions include Angelfish, Damselfish, Boxfish, Pufferfish, Tangs, and Surgeonfish.

Sometime Compatible

Eels will need to be monitored as Coral Hogfish may nip at them. Care should also be taken with Anglerfish/Frogfish, Groupers, and Triggerfish.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid housing with Conspecifics, Seahorses, Pipefish, and small invertebrates.

Feeding your Coral Hogfish

Coral Hogfish are carnivorous. A good diet should contain squid, small fish, worms, snails, shrimp, and mussels. feeding should occur 2-3 times per day.