Description
The Red-lined Hogfish is a rare and elegant wrasse-like hogfish prized for its refined coloration and active reef behavior. It typically displays a pale to yellowish body with distinctive red-orange lines and markings, giving it a clean, high-contrast appearance. It is generally peaceful but can be shy when firs.t introduced and appreciates mature rockwork with plenty of hiding places.
Lighting:
Moderate to high.
Normal reef lighting is suitable, with shaded areas and caves available for security.
Placement (Aquarium Zone):
Middle to lower — cruises around live rock, caves, ledges, and open areas close to the reef structure.
Temperature:
24–27°C (75–81°F)
Salinity:
1.024–1.026 SG
pH:
8.1–8.4
Alkalinity:
8–10 dKH
Flow:
Moderate to strong, preferably with varied and turbulent circulation.
Diet:
Carnivorous / micro-predator.
Feeds naturally on small crustaceans and other tiny invertebrates found among reef rockwork. A varied meaty diet helps maintain condition and coloration.
Foods:
- Mysis shrimp
- Enriched brine shrimp
- Copepods
- Amphipods
- Chopped shrimp
- Chopped marine seafood
- Small crustaceans
- High-quality marine pellets
- Frozen marine foods
Feed 1–2 times daily, offering appropriately sized portions.
Adult Size (up to):
Approx. 10–12 cm (4–5 in)
Care Level:
Intermediate
Compatible:
- Peaceful reef fish
- Clownfish
- Gobies
- Blennies
- Cardinalfish
- Peaceful wrasses
- Tangs of appropriate size
- Other non-aggressive community fish
- Mature reef aquariums
Use Caution With:
- Other hogfish
- Similar-sized wrasses
- Territorial bottom-dwellers
- Aggressive wrasses
- Large predatory fish
- Very small ornamental crustaceans
Avoid:
- Highly aggressive tankmates
- Small aquariums with limited rockwork
- Overcrowded systems
- Large predators
- Poorly established aquariums
Important Notes:
The Red-lined Hogfish is best kept in a mature aquarium with established live rock. It will spend much of its time investigating rock surfaces and searching for small prey.
It may be somewhat reserved when first introduced, so provide caves, crevices, and shaded retreats. Once comfortable, it should become considerably more active.
As with other small predatory reef fish, very small ornamental shrimp and other tiny crustaceans may be at risk.
Provide a secure lid because wrasse-like species can jump when startled.
Best For:
- Medium to large reef aquariums
- Mature mixed reefs
- Peaceful community displays
- Rare-fish collections
- Aquarists looking for an unusual reef fish
- Intermediate reef keepers
💡 Reef Keeper Tip:
Give this rare hogfish mature live rock, plenty of hiding places, and a varied meaty diet. A peaceful tank with good cover will allow it to settle in and display its natural foraging behavior and coloration.
