Saltwater
Axilspot hogfish
Bodianus axillaris
Labridae, Bodianinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 20 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 192 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
Native
Lives wild in Australia, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cook Islands, Egypt, Fiji, France, and 35 more countries.
More about the species
Description
Adults inhabit clear lagoon and seaward reefs; common in clear shallow waters at 1-8 m; large individuals occasionally at greater depths below 27 m. Juveniles occur solitary in caves or under ledges and act as cleaners by picking at bodies of other fishes (adults occasionally do this); occurring regularly at depths of 14-26 m. Feed mainly on benthic, hard-shelled, invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. Not commonly marketed. Occasionally seen in the aquarium trade.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Cossyphus octomaculatus
- Labrus axillaris
- Lepidaplois albomaculatus
- Lepidaplois axillaris
In other languages
- Treplettet læbefisk
- Axil hogfish, Axil pigfish, Bicolor wrasse, Coral hogfish, Coral pigfish, Panda Hogfish, Polkadot wrasse, Turncoat hogfish
Articles
All articles
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
From freshwater to saltwater3 min read
What is different in a saltwater aquarium: salt, refractometer, live rock and corals. An introduction for anyone thinking of giving it a try.