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About Candy Striped Hogfish

The Candy Striped Hogfish is a striking small wrasse recognised for its bright red body with multiple white horizontal stripes and a distinctive dark marking near the tail. It is also commonly known as the Candy Cane Hogfish or Crescent-tail Hogfish. Bodianus sepiacaudus reaches around 10–13 cm and is found throughout parts of the tropical Indo-Pacific.

This active hogfish spends much of its time exploring rockwork and open water, searching for small crustaceans and other meaty foods. It is generally hardy and adaptable once established.

Although relatively peaceful towards larger tank mates, adults can become territorial and dominant, particularly towards smaller or more timid fish and other hogfish. They may also prey on small ornamental shrimp and other crustaceans, so they should be stocked carefully in reef aquariums.

Candy Striped Hogfish are carnivores and benefit from a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, krill, chopped seafood and quality marine pellets. Feeding small portions multiple times a day is ideal for active specimens.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Bodianus sepiacaudus
Common Name: Candy Striped Hogfish / Candy Cane Hogfish
Family: Labridae
Type: Marine Fish / Hogfish
Adult Size: Approximately 10–13 cm
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 150 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Carnivore
Tank Level: All Levels
Reef Safe: Yes, with caution around small invertebrates
Suitable For: Marine community aquariums, reef tanks and fish-only systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Candy Striped Hogfish reef safe?

They are generally considered reef compatible with corals, but small ornamental shrimp, crabs and other crustaceans may be eaten.

How big does a Candy Striped Hogfish get?

They reach approximately 10–13 cm, depending on the individual.

Are Candy Striped Hogfish aggressive?

They can become territorial as they mature. Juveniles are generally more peaceful, while larger adults may bully smaller or more timid fish.

What do Candy Striped Hogfish eat?

They are carnivores and readily accept mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, chopped seafood and quality marine pellets.

Can Candy Striped Hogfish change sex?

Yes. They are protogynous hermaphrodites. Individuals begin life as females, and the dominant fish within a social group can transition into a male.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them with small ornamental shrimp
Their natural diet includes crustaceans, so small shrimp and other invertebrates may become prey.

Underestimating their adult temperament
A small juvenile can become considerably more territorial as it matures.

Keeping them with very timid fish
Larger adults may bully smaller or passive tank mates.

Not providing enough rockwork
Rockwork and caves provide shelter and areas for natural exploration.

Feeding too infrequently
They are active carnivores and benefit from regular feeding, ideally with several smaller meals.