Bodianus rufus

Behavior:

Adult Spanish hogfish feed on bottom invertebrates such as brittlestars, crustaceans and sea urchins. Juveniles set up cleaning stations to pick parasites off larger fish. Male hogfish (who start out life as a female) typically manage a harem of three to 12 smaller females.

Predators:

Sharks, mackerel and snapper.

Did you know?

Spanish hogfish are only active during the day (called strictly diurnal) and they bury themselves at the bottom of the reef at night to help protect themselves while they sleep.