Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown hogfish (Bodianus eclancheri) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 61 cm.
Eastern Pacific; Galapagos and the coast of South America; rocky reefs.
Description
The Galapagos hogfish is a wrasse (Labridae) from the eastern Pacific, particularly around the Galapagos Islands and the coast of South America. The species is strikingly variable in colour, from black and orange to mottled, with stout canine teeth at the front of the mouth. It inhabits rocky reefs. As a bottom predator it cracks hard-shelled prey such as molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins with its teeth. Like many wrasses it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown hogfish?
The Brown hogfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a spots pattern. Highly variable colour and sturdy canine teeth for crushing hard-shelled prey; protogynous hermaphrodite.
Where does the Brown hogfish live?
The Brown hogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; Galapagos and the coast of South America; rocky reefs.
How big does the Brown hogfish get?
The Brown hogfish grows to a maximum of about 61 cm. On average the species is around 40 cm.
Is the Brown hogfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown hogfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brown hogfish edible?
The Brown hogfish 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 Brown hogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown hogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.