Description

The Candy Hogfish (Bodianus sepiacaudus), also known as the Candy Stripe Hogfish or Pacific Redstripe Hogfish, is a popular and colorful saltwater fish commonly kept in marine aquariums. Here’s a detailed description and care guide:

🐟 Description:

• Scientific Name: Bodianus sepiacaudus

• Common Names: Candy Hogfish, Candy Stripe Hogfish, Pacific Redstripe Hogfish

• Origin: Western Pacific Ocean, particularly around Fiji and Tonga

• Size: Up to 5 inches (12–13 cm) in length

• Coloration: Striking white to pink body with red horizontal stripes; juveniles are usually more vivid than adults

• Temperament: Generally peaceful but can become semi-aggressive, especially toward smaller or similar-shaped fish

• Lifespan: Up to 5–7 years with proper care

🧪 Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (larger is better, especially for adults)

• Water Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH Level: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025

• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH

• Aquascape: Lots of live rock with crevices and caves for hiding

🍤 Diet:

• Carnivorous – Feed a varied diet including:

  • Frozen or live brine shrimp

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Marine pellets and flakes (high protein)

  • Occasional chopped seafood (like squid or shrimp)

Feed 2–3 times a day in smaller amounts.

🤝 Compatibility:

• Reef Safe: Yes (generally safe with corals)

• Tankmates:

  • Can be kept with other peaceful to semi-aggressive fish

  • Avoid housing with very small ornamental shrimp or tiny fish (may be seen as food)

  • Not recommended to keep with other hogfish unless in very large tanks

💡 Care Tips:

• Secure the lid – they are known to jump.

• Needs acclimation to avoid stress from changes in water parameters.

• Quarantine before introducing to display tank to avoid parasites or disease.