Two Spot Hogfish Care Guide: Tank Size, Diet, Reef Safety & Tankmates
Two Spot Hogfish care made simple: the right tank size, what to feed it, whether it is reef safe, which tankmates work, and how to pick a healthy fish.
The Two Spot Hogfish (Bodianus bimaculatus) is a small, golden-yellow wrasse with thin pink lines and two dark spots. It is hardy, easy to feed, and always busy.
Quick facts
- Tank size: 30 gallons or more (50+ is better)
- Adult size: about 4 inches
- Diet: carnivore; mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and pellets
- Reef safe: with caution; safe with corals, but may eat small shrimp
- Difficulty: easy
- Temperament: semi-aggressive; bossy toward shy fish
What makes it special
Most hogfish grow big. This one stays small, so it fits in many home reef tanks.
It has one dark spot behind the eye and one near the tail. Males turn pinker with stronger red stripes, while females stay more orange.
It lives in deeper water across the Indo-Pacific, from Madagascar to Japan and New Zealand.
Tank setup
- Rockwork: lots of live rock with caves and shady overhangs
- Sand bed: 1–2 inches of fine sand; it may dive in to sleep or hide
- Lid: a tight lid or mesh cover, because wrasses jump
- Water: 75–80°F, salinity 1.025, stable pH
Add it to a mature tank. Older rock has more tiny bugs for it to hunt between meals.
Behavior
This hogfish swims all day, picking at rocks and sand for tiny crustaceans. It is fun to watch and rarely hides once settled.
At night it may sleep in a rock cave or bury itself in the sand. Some fish also make a thin mucus layer around them while they rest.
As it grows, it claims a home area. It may chase new fish for a few days, then calm down.
Feeding
This fish eats almost anything meaty. Most accept frozen and dry food within a day or two.
- Frozen mysis and brine shrimp
- Chopped shrimp, clam, or scallop
- Quality marine pellets and flakes
Feed small amounts 2–3 times a day. Hogfish burn energy fast and do best with regular meals.
Reef safety
The Two Spot Hogfish leaves corals alone. It is a great pick for soft coral, LPS, and SPS tanks.
Inverts are another story. It hunts small crustaceans, so treat it as a risk to ornamental shrimp and tiny crabs.
- Usually safe: corals, clams, larger snails
- At risk: small shrimp, tiny crabs, bristle worms, and small snails
Tankmates
It is calm for a hogfish when young, but adults get bossy. Pick fish that are similar in size or a bit tougher.
- Good: clownfish, tangs, rabbitfish, dwarf angelfish, and larger wrasses
- Risky: firefish, flasher wrasses, pipefish, and other slow or shy fish
- Avoid: other hogfish in small tanks
Add shy fish first so they can claim hiding spots before the hogfish arrives.
Health and lifespan
- Lifespan: 5+ years with good care
- Watch for: white spots, cloudy eyes, fast breathing, or no appetite
- Quarantine: follow our 30-day fish quarantine protocol
New wrasses may hide in the sand for a few days. That is normal, so do not dig them out.
Buying tips
- Look for bright color and clear, round eyes
- Ask to see it eat before you buy
- Pick a fish that swims actively, not one that lies on the bottom
- Skip fish with torn fins, red sores, or a thin belly
FAQs
Is the Two Spot Hogfish reef safe?
Yes with corals, but not fully with inverts. It will likely eat small shrimp and tiny crabs.
How big does it get?
About 4 inches. That makes it one of the smallest hogfish you can buy.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes. It is hardy and eats well. Just plan your tankmates and inverts around its hunting habits.
Ready to add one?
Looking for a Two Spot Hogfish or a good tankmate? Browse fish from trusted sellers on the ReefBay shop.
