Hogfish are active, robust predators with confident, semi-aggressive temperaments, best kept with other sturdy tank mates rather than very small or delicate fish. Most species are not reef-safe, as they will readily eat crustaceans, worms and other invertebrates, though they usually ignore corals themselves. Smaller hogfish still need good room to roam, with a minimum aquarium size of around 300 litres, while larger species require substantially bigger, well-filtered systems. They thrive in tanks with plenty of rockwork for foraging and hiding, open swimming space, and a varied, meaty diet, and are best avoided in ornamental shrimp- or crab-focused reef setups.
