Red diana hogfish (Bodianus diana) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Labridae (wrasses)
Origin
Indian Ocean and Red Sea from East Africa to the Nicobars and Cocos-Keeling Islands; seaward reefs at 6–50 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
17 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
400 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Size note: the list gives 60 cm, which looks like an error; the species article gives a maximum of about 17 cm, which is closer to what is usually seen, so we use that. Plan for a medium-sized, very active wrasse. The 400-litre minimum is our estimate. Water figures given here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity SG 1.023–1.026, with stable, well-oxygenated water. Provide rockwork with caves, plenty of open swimming space and a tight lid. Juveniles live among the tentacles of the mushroom coral Heliofungia actiniformis and clean parasites off other fish; they are dark with white spots, while adults are reddish-brown with dark fin spots. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodianusdiana). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Feeds mainly on bottom-living invertebrates such as molluscs and crustaceans. In the aquarium give frozen mysis, krill, chopped shellfish and marine pellets two or three times a day.

Breeding

Not bred in home aquaria. Hogfish are protogynous hermaphrodites and spawn in open water.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not reef safe: it eats shrimps, crabs, snails and other small invertebrates. Mix with robust fish of similar size; avoid very small or timid tankmates and other hogfish in small tanks.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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