Coral Hogfish
A striking wrasse split diagonally, deep maroon at the front and pale yellow behind. Bold, hardy and a capable predator of small invertebrates.
Feeding
Carnivorous. Frozen mysis, chopped prawn, clam, mussel and marine pellets.
Compatibility
Not reef safe with invertebrates – will eat ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails and urchins. Peaceful toward fish of similar size but assertive as it matures.
Behaviour and personality
Active and constantly patrolling the rockwork hunting. Juveniles clean other fish; adults do not.
Before you buy
Hardy and easy to feed, but grows substantially and will clear a tank of ornamental invertebrates. Juvenile and adult colour patterns differ considerably.
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Hogfish (Corallianus spp.) |
| Feeding Type | Carnivorous |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Adult Size | Up to 12 inches |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years |
FAQ
What should I feed my Coral Hogfish?
Feed frozen mysis, chopped prawn, clam, mussel, and marine pellets.
Is the Coral Hogfish safe for a reef tank?
No, it is not reef safe. It will eat ornamental invertebrates such as shrimp, crabs, snails, and urchins.
How does the behaviour of juvenile and adult Coral Hogfish differ?
Juveniles clean other fish; adults do not and are more assertive, especially as they mature.
Isaac Campbell –
The hogfish is very active and keeps the tank interesting. I noticed it cleaning the tank when young, but as it grew, it stopped. It’s not for a reef tank, but great in a fish-only setup with larger fish.
Rachel Paterson –
Easy to care for and feeds well on frozen foods. The color change from juvenile to adult is noticeable. Be sure to remove any small invertebrates if you have a mixed tank.
Gavin Hill –
It’s bold and active, which is great for a dynamic tank. However, it does eat small crustaceans, so I had to remove some shrimp after a few weeks.
Lisa Langdon –
A striking fish with a unique color pattern. It patrols the rocks constantly and shows no signs of stress. Only recommend for experienced aquarists with a fish-only system.