Lyretail Hog

A great Lyretail Hog!
Origin: Africa / Red Sea

Size info:
Size SM: approx. 1.75 - 2.75"

There once was a Lyretail Hog,
With colors that made all hearts throb.
Its fins a vibrant hue,
Shades of red, orange too,
A sight that would make heads nod.

In the reefs, this fish loves to roam,
Its body, a stunning display to show.
With a lyre-shaped tail,
It dances without fail,
A graceful spectacle in the ocean's foam.

Its temperament, oh so serene,
Amongst the coral, it can be seen.
A herbivore by choice,
Bodianus anthioides, rejoice!
Grazing algae, keeping waters clean.

With HTML markup, we can see,
The Lyretail Hog's beauty, fancy and free.
Bold red hues adorn,
Shades of orange newborn,
A fish truly extraordinary to see!

Keeping Lyretail Hogfish (Bodianus anthioides) in an Aquarium

The Lyretail Hogfish, also known as the Lyretail Hog, is a stunning and fascinating fish species that can be kept in a home aquarium. Here are some key points to consider when keeping this species:

Tank Size and Setup

Lyretail Hogfish requires a tank of at least 75 gallons in size. The aquarium should have plenty of live rock to provide hiding places and create a natural environment. It is important to secure the tank with a tight-fitting lid as these fish are known to be jumpers.

Water Conditions

These hogfish thrive in a well-maintained saltwater aquarium with stable water parameters. The recommended water temperature should be between 72-78°F (22-26°C), with a pH level of 8.1-8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.

Feeding

Lyretail Hogfish are carnivorous and require a varied diet. They should be fed a mix of high-quality marine pellets, frozen or live meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped fish. Offering different types of food will help ensure a balanced diet and promote optimal health.

Behavior and Compatibility

These hogfish are generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially towards similar-looking species or other hogfish. It is best to keep them in a species-specific tank or with other peaceful, non-aggressive fish. They may nip at small invertebrates, so caution should be exercised when adding them to a reef aquarium.

Coloration and Cool Facts

The Lyretail Hogfish is known for its vibrant and eye-catching coloration. The male displays a stunning combination of bright yellow, red, and purple hues, while the female is more subdued with a pale yellow body and a dark spot near the tail. The elongated and lyre-shaped tail, from which it gets its name, adds to its beauty.

One of the coolest things about Lyretail Hogfish is their ability to change coloration and patterns. They can quickly alter their appearance to communicate with other fish, display dominance, or blend with their surroundings for protection.

Another interesting fact is that Lyretail Hogfish are sequential hermaphrodites, meaning they change sex during their lifetime. They start as females and can transition into males when the dominant male in the area disappears. This unique trait adds to their intrigue and makes them a captivating addition to any aquarium.

Overall, keeping Lyretail Hogfish in an aquarium can be a rewarding experience for marine fish enthusiasts. Their stunning appearance, color-changing abilities, and intriguing behavior make them a fascinating species to observe and care for.