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Neon hogfish (Bodianus sanguineus) — Labridae

Neon hogfish

Bodianus sanguineus
Family: Labridae

The Neon hogfish (Bodianus sanguineus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
19 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
30–168 m
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Hawaii

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Description

The Neon hogfish is a wrasse (Labridae) from deeper reefs of the central and western Pacific. The species grows to about 19 cm and has an elongate body with projecting canine teeth. It is bright red to pink with yellow and pale accents and lives on deeper coral reefs. 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 Neon hogfish?

The Neon hogfish has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Neon hogfish live?

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

How big does the Neon hogfish get?

The Neon hogfish grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Neon hogfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Neon hogfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Neon hogfish sourced
Scientific name
Bodianus sanguineus
Family
Labridae
Other names
Sunrise wrasse; Neon wrasse verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Straight

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
30 verified
Max depth (m)
168 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Hawaii sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Activity
Diurnal
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. 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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