Axilspot hogfish (Bodianus axillaris)

Scientific name: Bodianus axillaris Bennett, 1832

The Axilspot hogfish (Bodianus axillaris) is a marine fish of the family Labridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–27°C (75–81°F). Native range: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea to South Africa, east to the Marshall, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to Japan.

Axilspot hogfish care at a glance

Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12 - 13. Juveniles and females easily recognized by the generally black body with large white spots; males have large black spots on the soft parts of the dorsal and anal fins. Juveniles resemble the juveniles of B. mesothorax but have white rather than yellow spots. Undergoes a dramatic color change with growth.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Bodianus axillaris
Family: Labridae (Wrasses)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 20.0
Depth range: 2–100 m (7–328 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 100 m, usually 2 - 40 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to South Africa, east to the Marshall, Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to Japan.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial; bait: occasionally
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)