Axilspot Hogfish

Overview

The Axilspot Hogfish is a striking wrasse with a dark maroon-black body, a bold white patch behind the pectoral fin, and a distinctive dark spot near the tail edged in yellow. Juveniles are even more dramatically coloured than adults, with a black body covered in white spots that fades as they mature.

It's a hardy, adaptable wrasse that's useful for controlling pest bristleworms and small nuisance invertebrates, making it popular for keepers dealing with an outbreak, though this same hunting instinct means it can also eat beneficial small invertebrates like ornamental shrimp or feather dusters.

Given its adult size and active nature, it does best in a well-established, larger reef tank rather than a small or nano system.

Compatibility

Axilspot Hogfish can be semi-aggressive, particularly toward other wrasses of similar size and shape, and may become territorial as they mature. They generally coexist well with tangs, angelfish, and other robust community fish.

This species is rated reef safe with caution — while it won't touch stony or soft coral, it will actively hunt small crustaceans and worms, posing a risk to ornamental shrimp and other small invertebrates in the display.

Health & quarantine

This is a hardy, adaptable wrasse with few chronic health issues, though like most wrasses it's a capable jumper, so a secure lid is important. A minimum four-week quarantine is recommended good practice, and this species generally acclimates and feeds well without major issues.