Coral Hogfish - Bodianus mesothorax

Coral Hogfish (Bodianus mesothorax)

The Coral Hogfish, Bodianus mesothorax, is a bold and colourful marine hogfish, recognised for its contrasting head and body colouration, strong swimming behaviour and active hunting nature. Also known as the Splitlevel Hogfish, Black Belt Hogfish or Eclipse Hogfish, this species can make a striking addition to larger mature marine aquariums. It is hardy, confident and full of character, but it should be treated as reef safe with caution due to its natural feeding behaviour around small fish, worms, crustaceans and ornamental invertebrates.

Common Name:
Coral Hogfish, Splitlevel Hogfish, Split-Level Hogfish, Black Belt Hogfish, Blackbelt Hogfish, Eclipse Hogfish, Mesothorax Hogfish, Yellow-Spotted Hogfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Bodianus mesothorax

Maximum Size:
Around 20–25 cm, making it a medium-sized hogfish that requires good swimming space and carefully chosen tank mates.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found across the Indo-West Pacific, including areas from the Andaman Sea and eastern Indian Ocean through Indonesia, the Philippines, southern Japan, New Caledonia, Fiji and parts of Australia. In the wild, Coral Hogfish are associated with coral-rich outer reef slopes, reef edges, caves and rocky reef structure. Juveniles are often found sheltering in caves, while adults swim more openly near the substrate and reef structure.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive. Coral Hogfish are confident, territorial fish that are best kept with robust, suitably sized marine tank mates. They may bully small, timid or very peaceful fish, especially once established. Avoid housing with tiny gobies, delicate dartfish, small wrasses or ornamental shrimp-heavy setups.

Diet:
Carnivorous. In the aquarium, offer a varied protein-rich diet including frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, chopped krill, prawn, mussel, clam, cockle, squid, finely chopped seafood and quality carnivore marine pellets. Adults may also take worms, small crustaceans and other small invertebrates within the aquarium, so invertebrate compatibility should be considered carefully.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical minimum of around 400–500 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred for long-term adult care. Provide mature rockwork, caves, open swimming space and clear territory breaks.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active and inquisitive hogfish that spends much of its time moving around rockwork, caves and lower reef areas in search of food. Juveniles may be more secretive, while adults usually become bolder and more visible once settled. This species may investigate crevices, rubble areas and the substrate while hunting for small prey. A tight-fitting lid is recommended, as wrasses and hogfish can jump when startled.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
Coral Hogfish do not normally feed on coral tissue in the same way as coral-nipping butterflyfish or angelfish. However, they may eat ornamental shrimp, small crabs, worms, snails, tiny crustaceans and very small fish if given the opportunity. They are best suited to fish-only systems or carefully planned reef aquariums where the risk to mobile invertebrates is accepted.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept as a single specimen unless the aquarium is very large and carefully planned. Avoid mixing with other hogfish or very similar wrasses unless there is enough space and territory separation. This species can become more assertive as it grows, so tank mate choice should be planned around the adult fish rather than the juvenile. Provide stable water quality, strong filtration and plenty of rockwork for security and natural hunting behaviour.

Suitable for:
Intermediate to Experienced fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasionally available in the marine aquarium trade / Availability can vary depending on collection, import, size and supplier

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.