Spanish Hogfish

Spanish Hogfish

Profile of the Spanish Hogfish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Spanish Hogfish species.

• Size: Up to 60cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1 to 8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, Frozen, Live Marine Food

• Temperament: Aggressive

• Habitat: Marine Reef Dweller at depths of up to 30m

• Behaviour: Juveniles act as cleaners to other fish

• Range: Western Atlantic: Bermuda to Brazil

Scientific Classification of the Spanish Hogfish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Bodianus rufus

• Popular Name: Spanish Hogfish - Dogfish - Hogfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Labridae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Spanish Hogfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Spanish Hogfish slimy?
Spanish Hogfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Spanish Hogfish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Spanish Hogfish have gills?
Gills enable the Spanish Hogfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Spanish Hogfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Spanish Hogfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Spanish Hogfish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Spanish Hogfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Spanish Hogfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Spanish Hogfish