Eclipse Hogfish (Bodianus mesothorax)

The Eclipse Hogfish (Bodianus mesothorax) is a striking Indo-Pacific wrasse-relative best known for its dramatic two-tone juvenile coloration: a deep purple-black front half offset by a brilliant yellow rear, accented with white spots that fade as the fish matures into a stunning red, white, and yellow adult. Hardy, personable, and constantly on the move, it's one of the most rewarding intermediate-care reef fish you can keep, and a favorite showpiece among our saltwater livestock. Pair this active swimmer with a mature 100+ gallon system and watch it patrol every rock and ledge in the tank.

Care Guide

Eclipse Hogfish are considered intermediate-level fish. They are hardy and disease-resistant once acclimated, but they need a sizable tank with plenty of rockwork and open swimming space. They are excellent eaters and rarely refuse food, which makes them straightforward to settle in. Provide a tight-fitting lid, as wrasse-family fish are notorious jumpers, especially when first introduced or when startled.

• Diet: Carnivorous. Feed a varied diet of meaty foods: frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and high-quality marine pellets like Reef Nutrition TDO Chroma BOOST 2 to 3 times daily.
• Tank size: 100 gallons minimum for a single specimen; larger is better given their active swimming behavior.
• Aquascape: Plenty of live rock, caves, and ledges for hunting and resting; leave open swimming lanes in the front of the tank.
• Lid required: Yes, these fish jump. A mesh lid or canopy is mandatory.
• Acclimation: Drip acclimate over 60 to 90 minutes before adding to your display.

Specifications

Compatibility

Eclipse Hogfish are best kept as the only hogfish in the tank but get along well with most peaceful and semi-aggressive marine fish of similar size. They tend to ignore corals entirely, making them suitable for reef tanks, but small ornamental shrimp, tiny crabs, and bristleworms are fair game.

• Good tank mates: Tangs, angelfish, larger clownfish, dottybacks, butterflyfish, and other wrasses such as the Six Line Wrasse or Cleaner Wrasse.
• Use caution with: Ornamental shrimp (peppermint, cleaner, fire), small hermit crabs, and snails, which the hogfish may pick at.
• Avoid: Other hogfish species, and very small/timid fish that may be bullied at feeding time.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Reef Nutrition TDO-EP2 Chroma BOOST Pellets high-protein color-enhancing pellets
• Piscine Energetics PE Saltwater Pellets 3mm premium marine staple
• SFBB Freeze Dried Mysis Shrimp meaty supplemental feed
• Browse all marine nutrition
• Browse all saltwater livestock

FAQ

Will an Eclipse Hogfish eat my corals?
No. They ignore both LPS and SPS corals and don't pick at zoanthids or mushrooms. They are reef-safe in that regard, but watch them around ornamental shrimp.

Does the color really change as it grows?
Yes. Juveniles show the iconic black-front, yellow-rear "eclipse" pattern. As they mature into adults, the body transitions to a vivid red and white above with a yellow lower half, a completely different look from the juvenile phase.

Do I really need a 100-gallon tank?
For long-term health, yes. They are active swimmers that grow to 7 to 8 inches and need horizontal swimming space. They will physically fit in a 75, but a 100+ gallon system gives them room to thrive without becoming stressed or aggressive.

Will it jump out of my tank?
Possibly, especially when first introduced or when chased. A tight-fitting mesh lid or canopy is essential, do not skip this.