Care
In the wild, the Spanish hogfish is known from coral reefs and rocky areas up to 70m (230ft) in depth. This is a characterful, active species suitable for spacious fish-only aquaria, and it is a fish that remains attractive both as a juvenile and as an adult. Juvenile fish are often observed cleaning other fish in captivity, but they are facultative cleaners and not obligatory like some species. This hardy fish may be a little shy when first introduced, but it will soon gain much confidence, becoming a very outgoing aquarium occupant. As this is one of the larger members of the hogfish family, the tank must offer plenty of space for this powerful swimmer, plus hiding places amongst large caves/rock piles in the decor, along with a reasonable amount of substrate to root around in. Be sure to keep on top of water quality; powerful filtration, brisk circulation, and a high level of oxygenation are essential for this voracious eater. Spanish Hogfish are fiercely territorial so it is recommended to keep only one specimen per tank, and not with any other hogfish species, or with any small, docile fish. The most suitable tankmates really are other large, moderately aggressive species that can look after themselves. To avoid any tussles at feeding time, add the food to several places in the aquarium at the same time. Do take care when carrying out maintenance in an aquarium containing a large, adult Spanish hogfish, as they are capable of inflicting a painful bite if they perceive you as a threat to their territory. It is not uncommon for these fish to become imprinted on their owner; indeed many have been known to enviously push their tankmates aside in a scramble to vie for your attention at the front glass of the aquarium, demanding to be hand-fed; however, as mentioned previously, always use tongs to present the food to them if you wish to avoid being bitten by those canine-like teeth! In the wild, this species is known to hybridise with the Spotfin Hogfish (B. pulchellus).
Feeding
Carnivorous. Will readily accept most meaty frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp, krill, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, chopped prawns/cockle/mussel/whitebait etc. Juvenile fish will accept flake, adults not so much. Feed small amounts 2 or 3 times per day.
Breeding
This egg-scattering species has been bred on a commercial basis. In the wild, pairs have been observed courting at dusk in time with lunar cycles.
