Lyretail Hogfish (Bodianus Anthioides)

Species Name : Bodianus Anthioides

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Orange, Red, White

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : No

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 8»

Origin : Africa, Fiji, New Caledonia

Family : Labridae

Minimum Tank Size : 70 gallons

The Lyretail Hogfish (Bodianus Anthioides), also known as the Lyretail Pigfish, is a species of wrasse from the genus Bodianus. Hogfish (Bodianus) get their name from the way they look for food in the substrate using their snout. 

The Lyretail Hogfish has a reddish-orange face and white posterior with red highlights. It has a beautiful long tail, hence its name. It grows to a length of 25 centimetres.

A 70 gallon or larger aquarium with hiding places should be provided.  It is an active swimmer and is best to keep in a tank with plenty of room for swimming. Plenty of rock and hiding places should be provided for juveniles - adults need more swimming space. 

The Adult Lyretail Hogfish may be aggressive with less-aggressive tankmates. Juveniles are much less aggressive and should not be introduced into an aquarium with aggressive tankmates. The Lyretail Hogfish can be housed with tank mates like angels, tangs, damsels and some of the more peaceful triggers. 

This species can change gender from female to male. When a male is needed, a female changes sex and takes on the role.

The diet varies with maturity. As a juvenile, the Lyretail Hogfish will eat parasites off its tank mates. With maturity, however, it likes meaty foods such as snails, worms, mussels, and small fish. It may even blow water over the sand to uncover food.