Description
Twospot Hogfish (Bodianus bimaculatus)
Overview
The Bodianus bimaculatus, commonly known as the Two-Spot Wrasse or Red-Striped Hogfish, is a striking, active, and hardy member of the Labridae family. It is prized for its vibrant red and yellow coloration and its relatively peaceful demeanor compared to many other larger hogfish species.
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive; can be territorial toward similar-looking wrasses or very small, timid fish.
- Size: Grows to approximately 10–12 cm.
- Behavior: Highly active hunter that constantly explores the rockwork. It is known for being a “reef-safe with caution” species.
Care Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 200 litres. They are active swimmers that appreciate plenty of space to patrol.
- Temperature: 22–26°C.
- Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG.
- pH: 8.1–8.4.
- Environment: Requires plenty of live rock with ample caves and crevices for hunting and hiding. A sand bed is not strictly required for sleeping, but it is appreciated.
- Lid: Like all wrasses, they are prone to jumping. A tight-fitting, secure lid is essential.
Maintenance
- Water Quality: Maintain standard reef parameters. They are quite hardy but appreciate stable water quality.
- Routine: Regular 10–20% water changes are recommended.
- Equipment: A high-quality filtration system is recommended, as these active fish are often vigorous eaters.
Diet
- Type: Carnivore.
- Staples: They are unfussy, aggressive feeders. Provide a diet of high-quality frozen Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, and chopped seafood. Many will also readily accept high-quality marine pellets.
- Feeding Frequency: They have a high metabolism and should be fed at least once, preferably twice, daily.
Behavior and Compatibility
- Tankmates: Compatible with a wide range of semi-aggressive to community fish. Best kept with species that are similarly sized or larger.
- Avoid: Do not house with very small, delicate fish (like nano-gobies) or other hogfish/wrasses with similar shapes and colors, as they may become territorial.
- Reef Safety: Generally reef-safe, but use caution. Like all hogfish, they are opportunistic hunters and will eat small ornamental crustaceans such as tiny shrimp, crabs, and snails. They are generally safe with corals.
Reproduction
- Bodianus species are protogynous hermaphrodites.
- Successful reproduction in a home aquarium is extremely rare and undocumented for this species in standard reef tanks.
Tips
- Hardiness: These are among the hardier wrasses and often acclimate very well to aquarium life.
- Pest Control: They are excellent at naturally controlling populations of small, unwanted hitchhiking crustaceans.
- Compatibility: If you have an expensive or delicate shrimp colony, proceed with caution, as a fully grown Two-Spot Wrasse may eventually view them as prey.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Either come in store to view available stock or request pictures to be sent to you.
Please Note: Due to variations within species resulting from age, region, sex, etc., the actual livestock may not look identical to the image. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimens.
