Lyretail Hogfish (Bodianus anthioides)
Max Size: 8 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
The Lyretail Hogfish is characterized by its striking appearance, featuring a reddish-orange face and a white posterior adorned with red highlights. Its name is derived from the beautiful long tail it possesses.
To ensure the well-being of this captivating fish, a spacious aquarium of at least 70 gallons with ample hiding places should be provided. It is important to note that the Lyretail Hogfish exhibits moderate aggression and should ideally be housed with other fish displaying similar levels of aggression.
As the Lyretail Hogfish grows and matures, its dietary preferences change. During its juvenile stage, it will actively consume parasites off its tank mates, providing a beneficial cleaning function. However, as it reaches maturity, its diet shifts towards meaty foods, including snails, worms, mussels, and small fish. An interesting behavior to watch is its ability to blow water over the sand to uncover potential food sources.