Spanish hog

Bodianus rufus

The Caribbean Spanish Hogfish is a colorful and active marine fish that adds bold movement and personality to saltwater aquariums. Juveniles are especially striking, often showing a reddish body, darker markings, and a bright facial stripe, while adults develop into confident, eye-catching display fish.

Native to Caribbean reefs and rocky habitats, Spanish Hogfish do best in aquariums with plenty of live rock, caves, and crevices for shelter. They are active swimmers and should be given open space to move along with secure hiding areas. While generally manageable, they can become semi-aggressive, especially toward smaller fish or similarly shaped tank mates as they mature.

This hardy species usually adapts well to aquarium life and readily accepts a variety of meaty foods. Offer mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, krill, and high-quality frozen or prepared marine foods. Because it may eat small ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, or other invertebrates, it is best kept in fish-only or FOWLR aquariums, or reef systems with caution.

Quick Facts

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Carnivore; meaty frozen foods, chopped seafood, krill, and prepared marine foods
Reef Safe: With caution; may eat small invertebrates