Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackbar hogfish (Bodianus speciosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 50 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms and reefs of the continental shelf.
Description
The blackbar hogfish is a wrasse of the family Labridae reaching about 50 cm. The elongate, pink-red body with a pale belly has thick lips and projecting canine teeth; young fish bear a black spot on the dorsal fin. With its strong teeth and throat jaws the fish crushes shellfish, crabs, sea urchins and crustaceans. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite: individuals begin as females and may later turn into a brightly coloured male. The species lives near rocky bottoms and reefs of the continental shelf along the West African coast. It is active by day and shelters in crevices at night. With its tasty flesh it is traded locally.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackbar hogfish?
The Blackbar hogfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Wrasse with thick lips and projecting canine teeth; pinkish red with a pale belly and, in juveniles, a black blotch on the dorsal fin.
Where does the Blackbar hogfish live?
The Blackbar hogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, near rocky bottoms and reefs of the continental shelf.
How big does the Blackbar hogfish get?
The Blackbar hogfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Blackbar hogfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackbar hogfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blackbar hogfish edible?
Yes, the Blackbar hogfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bodianus
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Blackbar hogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackbar hogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.