Spanish hogfish (Bodianus rufus) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 1–70 m.
Scientific name: Bodianus rufus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 40 cm
The Spanish hogfish is a labrid whose adults inhabit rocky or coral reefs, recorded from 1 to 70 m. It feeds on brittle stars, crustaceans, mollusks and sea urchins, while juveniles actively pick parasites from larger fishes. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite and is oviparous with distinct pairing during breeding, and it may hybridize with the spotfin hogfish, Bodianus pulchellus. Maximum length is about 40 cm total length, commonly about 28 cm. It is a minor commercial species, a gamefish and a commercial aquarium fish, marketed fresh, with a very high price category. Fishing vulnerability is moderate at 36 of 100 and resilience medium. IUCN lists it as least concern.
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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