Description

Quick Stats

Description

The Cuban Hogfish (Bodianus pulchellus) is a striking marine fish known for its vibrant coloration and bold personality. Its color transitions from bright yellow to shades of pink and orange as it matures, making it a standout in any large aquarium. This hogfish is a captivating and active swimmer, best suited for experienced aquarists who can meet its space and care needs.

Native to the Western Atlantic, particularly around the Caribbean, the Cuban Hogfish can grow up to 16 inches. Due to its size and energetic nature, a minimum tank size of 150 gallons is recommended, with ample space for swimming and hiding spots among live rock. This hogfish has a semi-aggressive temperament and may show territorial behavior towards other similar-sized tankmates. It is compatible with larger, assertive fish but should be added cautiously in a reef setup due to its tendency to prey on smaller invertebrates.

As a carnivore, the Cuban Hogfish thrives on a diet of meaty foods, such as shrimp, squid, clams, and marine-based protein pellets. Offering a varied diet helps support its health, bright coloration, and activity levels. Feedings should be frequent and in moderate amounts to keep it engaged and active in the aquarium.

The Cuban Hogfish is relatively hardy but requires moderate care. It will thrive in stable water conditions with a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, temperatures ranging from 72-78°F, and a pH of 8.1-8.4. Regular water changes and good filtration are essential, as it is a larger species that can produce more waste.

In addition to its dynamic coloring and active swimming, the Cuban Hogfish brings personality to marine tanks. It should be housed with other robust tankmates due to its semi-aggressive nature and size. It’s important to note that smaller fish or invertebrates may become targets, making this species best suited for fish-only or carefully selected reef setups.