How big is the Hogfish?

Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) reaches 30–90 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Hogfish?

Hogfish is found between 3–40 m deep.

Where can you find the Hogfish?

Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific.

Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus)

Key facts

Scientific name: Lachnolaimus maximus
Common name: Hogfish
Category: Fish
Family: Labridae
Genus: Lachnolaimus
Size: 30–90 cm
Depth: 3–40 m
IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: coral-reef, sand
Behaviours: solitary
Ocean zones: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific

Description

Lachnolaimus maximus reaches 90 cm and 10 kg. Large wrasse (Labridae) mainly tropical western Atlantic (Caribbean, Florida, Brazil), extending to West Africa. Silver pink-white variable body. Spectacular terminal males with red-pink head, dorsal black band, 3 first dorsal rays extremely elongated in plume, prominent beak snout (hence hogfish). Initial phases more uniformly red. Listed VU by IUCN following overfishing. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Lives from 3 to 40 m on coral reefs and shell sands. Mollusk predator (strong beak). Favorite target of Atlantic spearfishing.

Photo of Hogfish

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Hogfish?: Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) reaches 30–90 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Hogfish?: Hogfish is found between 3–40 m deep.
Is the Hogfish dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Hogfish?: IUCN status: Vulnerable (VU).
Where can you find the Hogfish?: Found in: Caribbean, East Atlantic, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the family Labridae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 158822)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2383618)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia