Fin's Fish Guide
The Blackspot pigfish (Bodianus vulpinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 44 cm.
Description
The blackspot pigfish is a wrasse from the southern Indian and southwest Pacific oceans, around southern Australia and adjacent waters. The species grows to about 44 cm and has an oblong, pink to reddish body with a yellow tinge and often a dark spot on the dorsal fin. As a dweller of deeper reef and rocky bottoms, between about 100 and 250 metres, it uses strong teeth to search for molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blackspot pigfish?
The Blackspot pigfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a spots pattern. Dark dorsal fin blotch; deeper-reef wrasse and protogynous hermaphrodite
Where does the Blackspot pigfish live?
The Blackspot pigfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Southern Australia
How big does the Blackspot pigfish get?
The Blackspot pigfish grows to a maximum of about 44 cm.
Is the Blackspot pigfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blackspot pigfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Blackspot pigfish edible?
The Blackspot pigfish is rarely 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 Blackspot pigfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blackspot pigfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.