Bodianus pulchellus reaches 25 cm. Smaller Caribbean hogfish than B. rufus, with deep red to purple body with horizontal yellow-white band crossing snout to top of tail, bright yellow tail. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Lives from 5 to 120 m on coral reefs and deep drop-offs of Caribbean. More common in deep waters than B. rufus. Predator of benthic invertebrates. Iconic photo subject for bright colors, more elegant and delicate than its cousin.
