Fin's Fish Guide
The Red Hogfish (Decodon puellaris) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The red hogfish is a wrasse (Labridae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has an elongate, pinkish-red body with yellowish tints and stout canine teeth at the front of the mouth. It lives mainly over rocky bottoms of insular areas and deeper reefs. As a bottom predator it feeds on small invertebrates, especially hard-shelled molluscs and crustaceans, which it crushes with its teeth. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Red Hogfish?
The Red Hogfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Pinkish-red wrasse with stout canine teeth to crush hard-shelled prey; inhabits rocky island bottoms.
Where does the Red Hogfish live?
The Red Hogfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic; rocky bottoms of islands and deeper reefs.
How big does the Red Hogfish get?
The Red Hogfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 22 cm.
Is the Red Hogfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Red Hogfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Red Hogfish edible?
The Red 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 Decodon
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Red Hogfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Red Hogfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.