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Giant hogfish (Bodianus macrognathos) — Labridae

Giant hogfish

Bodianus macrognathos
Family: Labridae

The Giant hogfish (Bodianus macrognathos) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 62 cm.

Length
62 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
25.0–65.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Giant hogfish is a wrasse (Labridae) from the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 62 cm and has an elongate body with projecting canine teeth. It is one of the largest species of the genus, with a robust body and a long, pointed snout. As a bottom-oriented hunter it searches coral and rocky reefs for molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins, which it crushes with its strong teeth. Like many wrasses it changes sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Giant hogfish?

The Giant hogfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Giant hogfish live?

The Giant hogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Giant hogfish get?

The Giant hogfish grows to a maximum of about 62 cm.

Is the Giant hogfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Giant hogfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Giant hogfish edible?

Yes, the Giant hogfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Reuzen-lipvis sourced
English name
Giant hogfish sourced
Scientific name
Bodianus macrognathos
Family
Labridae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
62.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
25.0 verified
Max depth (m)
65.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Bodianus

More from the family Labridae

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