The Diana Hogfish, scientifically known as Bodianus diana, is a beautiful and active species of wrasse belonging to the family Labridae (Wrasses). It's known for its striking coloration and often boisterous personality in the aquarium.
Appearance:
- Juvenile: Often a mottled dark brown or black with prominent white or yellow spots on the body and head, sometimes with white markings on the fins. They are somewhat reclusive at this stage, often mimicking floating debris.
- Adult: Transforms into a vibrant and striking fish. The body becomes predominantly reddish-orange to red, with distinct white spots along the dorsal fin line and usually a large black spot on the soft dorsal fin and another on the anal fin. Some individuals may also have white patches or bands elsewhere on the body. The head can be a lighter reddish-orange to pinkish.
- Body Shape: They have an elongated, robust body typical of hogfish, with a somewhat pointed snout.
Adult Size:
- Diana Hogfish can grow quite large, reaching up to 10 inches (25 cm) in captivity. In the wild, they can reach up to 17 cm (6.7 inches) SL (standard length, not including tail).
Natural Habitat and Distribution:
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Bodianus diana: Primarily found in the Indian Ocean, from East Africa to the Nicobar and Cocos-Keeling Islands.
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Bodianus dictynna (Pacific Diana's Hogfish/Pigfish): Found in the Western Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef (Queensland), Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, and other parts of Micronesia.
- Both species inhabit coral-rich areas of seaward reefs, lagoons, and channels, typically at depths from 6 to 50 meters (though rarely deeper than 25m). They are active foragers, sifting through sand and rubble. Juveniles may hide among coral.
Aquarium Care (Moderate to Advanced Level):
- Minimum Tank Size: Due to their adult size and active, sometimes aggressive, nature, a minimum of 150 gallons (approximately 568 liters) is highly recommended for a single adult Diana Hogfish. Larger tanks (180 gallons+) are even better to provide ample swimming space and help diffuse aggression if other large, robust tank mates are present.
- Water Parameters: Maintain stable marine water conditions.
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Alkalinity (dKH): 8-12 dKH
- Ammonia and nitrites must be 0 ppm. Nitrates should be kept as low as possible.
- Filtration: A robust and efficient filtration system, including a strong protein skimmer, is essential to handle their significant bio-load and maintain water quality.
- Water Flow: Moderate to strong water flow is suitable. They are active swimmers and appreciate good circulation.
- Substrate: A sand bed is highly recommended, at least 2-3 inches deep. While they don't typically bury completely like some other wrasses, they will constantly sift through the sand in search of food.
- Diet:
- Carnivorous: Diana Hogfish are active predators. Their natural diet consists primarily of small crustaceans, mollusks (snails, small bivalves), and worms.
- In captivity, they are generally eager eaters and should be offered a varied diet of high-quality, meaty frozen foods:
- Mysis shrimp, krill, jumbo brine shrimp
- Chopped seafood (clam, squid, silversides)
- They will also accept high-quality marine pellets.
- Feed 2-3 times daily.
- Temperament:
- Aggressive/Territorial: Diana Hogfish are known for being quite aggressive and territorial, especially as they mature. They can be particularly dominant towards smaller, more docile fish and those with similar body shapes.
- Not suitable for passive tanks. Best housed with other large, semi-aggressive to aggressive tank mates (e.g., larger tangs, triggerfish, puffers, large angelfish) that can hold their own.
- Not compatible with other hogfish species (especially Bodianus species) or other wrasses unless the tank is exceptionally large. Best kept as a single specimen.
- They will actively rearrange substrate and smaller rockwork in their search for food.
- Reef Compatibility: NOT REEF SAFE. This is a crucial point. Diana Hogfish are known to prey on a wide variety of invertebrates, including:
- Most clean-up crew (snails, crabs, shrimp)
- Small ornamental invertebrates (e.g., small starfish, brittle stars, feather duster worms)
- They may also nip at or consume soft corals, LPS corals, and potentially even some SPS corals.
- They are best suited for fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) aquariums where their predatory nature won't be a problem.
- Tank Setup:
- Provide plenty of large, stable live rock structures with numerous caves and hiding places. Ensure rockwork is securely stacked to prevent collapses from their digging.
- Ensure ample open swimming space in the water column.
- A tight-fitting lid is essential as hogfish are powerful jumpers, especially when startled.
- Disease Susceptibility: Generally hardy once established. Good water quality and a proper diet will keep them healthy.
- Acclimation: Slow and careful drip acclimation is always recommended.
- Quarantine: Highly recommended to quarantine new arrivals for a few weeks to observe for health issues and ensure they are eating well before introducing them to the main display.
The Diana Hogfish is a truly magnificent and active species that can be a showpiece in the right aquarium. However, its predatory diet and strong territorial nature mean it's best suited for experienced aquarists with very large, fish-only or FOWLR systems, and careful consideration for tank mate compatibility.
