Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 3–30 m.
Scientific name: Lachnolaimus maximus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 91 cm
The hogfish is a labrid and a large, economically valuable species; it is monandric and a protogynous hermaphrodite. Adults are found over open bottoms or in coral reef areas, often where gorgonians are abundant, and it feeds mainly on mollusks as well as crabs and sea urchins. Its flesh is highly esteemed and is marketed fresh and frozen, and the species has been reared in captivity. Its range is the western Atlantic, from Nova Scotia in Canada, Bermuda and the northern Gulf of Mexico to northern South America. Maximum length is about 91 cm total length, commonly about 35 cm, and it can live 23 years, maturing at about 18 cm. It is a minor commercial species, a gamefish and a commercial aquarium fish, with a very high price category. Fishing vulnerability is high at 59 of 100 and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as vulnerable.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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