Yellow Candy Hogfish – Bodianus bimaculatus

TheYellow Candy Hogfish is a striking and active marine fish that captivates aquarists with its vivid coloration and engaging behavior. Known for its adaptability and reef-friendly nature, it makes an excellent addition to many saltwater aquariums.

Description:

Common Name: Yellow Candy Hogfish

Scientific Name: Bodianus bimaculatus

Family: Labridae

Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)

Coloration: Brilliant yellow body with a distinctive red or orange stripe running horizontally across its body and a notable dark spot near the tail.

Native Region:

This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region, where it inhabits reef environments, often found in crevices and along reef slopes at various depths.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a single specimen.

Substrate: Sandy or fine gravel substrate with live rock.

Decor: Provide plenty of hiding places such as rocks, caves, and coral formations to create a comfortable environment for exploration and refuge.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 75-80F (24-27C)

pH: 8.1-8.4

Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity

Hardness: 8-12 dKH

Care Level:

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Diet: Carnivorous; thrives on a diet of high-quality marine foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Will also accept pellet and flake foods formulated for carnivorous fish.

Behavior: Generally peaceful but may exhibit territorial tendencies toward other smaller or similar-shaped fish, especially in confined spaces.

Additional Tips:

Tank Mates: Compatible with a variety of peaceful and semi-aggressive fish. Avoid housing with overly aggressive tank mates.

Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe as it does not typically harm corals or invertebrates, though small crustaceans may be at risk.

Activity Level: Active and inquisitive, often seen darting around the tank, adding movement and life.