Care
The Blackspot Hogfish is known from the rubbly outer reef slopes of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba in the north, to Madagascar and Mauritius in the south and eastwards to Christmas Island. These vibrantly coloured fish are often observed close to the substrate at depths between 35-75m (115-246ft). Hardy and relatively peaceful, Blackspot Hogfish make a fascinating addition to reef aquaria where no ornamental shrimp are present. The tank should be mature and furnished with plenty of living rock to provide feeding opportunities and shady hiding places. Juveniles do best if housed with nonaggressive tankmates, but as this species matures, it will become more boisterous and may bully smaller, more docile fish such as firefish, flasher wrasses, leopard wrasses, pipefishes, and seahorses, so choose tankmates with care. It is best to house this species singly, as adults can be rather territorial towards one another. However, if the aquarium is of vast proportions, groups of 5 or more may be kept if all specimens are of the same size and are added simultaneously. Effective filtration and circulation with a high level of oxygenation are a must in order to maintain optimal water conditions. Tight fitting coverslides are also essential, as these fish are expert jumpers. Blackspot Hogfish are sequential protogynous hermaphrodites "“ born as female but able to change sex to male. The largest fish in the group will be a dominant male, while the smaller fish remain female. If the dominant male dies, the largest female changes sex and takes his place. Blackspot Hogfish are rarely seen in the trade, and tend to command a hefty price tag when they do. May also be seen on sale as Candystripe Hogfish.
Feeding
Carnivorous. Will readily accept most meaty frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp, krill, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped prawns/cockle/mussel/whitebait etc. Juvenile fish may accept flake, adults not so much. Feed small amounts 2 or 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
