Red-sashed hogfish (Bodianus rubrisos)

Latin name

Bodianus rubrisos

Other name

Morsecode pigfish

Identification

The specific name is a compound of the Latin rubri meaning "red" and the letters s, o and s, a reference to the dot and dash morse code like colour pattern which is distinctive for this species.

Red sashed hogfish have fused lower pharyngeal bones and well-developed chewing pharyngeal teeth. 

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin is single, with barbed rays in the anterior part.

Fish colouring

Red sashes are brightly coloured. They have distinctive red horizontal stripes on the sides of the body.

Distribution

Widespread in tropical and temperate warm waters of the Indo-West Pacific, particularly in Japan, Taiwan and Indonesia. It has been recorded off the coast of Australia at Scott's Reef in Western Australia and in the Arafura Sea off the Northern Territory.

Habitat

Tropical marine, reef associated species. Habitat depth range 50-103 m, usually 50-70 m. 

Size

Males of this species reach a maximum length of 20.2 cm.

Behavior

Predatory and restless fish. Throughout the day they will actively swim around the tank looking for potential prey to eat or just chase around the tank. In this respect, it is not advisable to keep them in the same tank as smaller fish.

Food and feeding habits

Feeds on crustaceans, invertebrates, zoobenthos and zooplankton. 

Reproduction

Egg-laying, clear mating during reproduction.

Fishing

They are not fished commercially because they do not form mass aggregations.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. The flesh of these fish is edible. They are used in aquariums.