Bodianus pulchellus (Poey, 1860)
Spotfin hogfish
Bodianus pulchellus
photo by Bertoncini, A.A.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Bodianinae
Max. size:  28.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 15 - 120 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: South Carolina, USA and Bermuda to Honduras and Santa Catarina, Brazil (Ref. 57756). Eastern Atlantic: São Tomé Island (Ref. 34088).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 9-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-12. Body red with white stripe on lower side. Black spot at base of anterior dorsal spines. Very distinctive and colorful species. (Ref. 26938).
Biology:  Adults inhabit coral and rocky reefs, rarely at depths greater than 24 m (Ref. 9710). Feed on crabs and small shellfish (Ref. 3726). Juveniles pick parasites from other fishes (Ref. 9710). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205). May hybridize with Spanish hogfish, B. rufus (Ref. 40096). Marketed fresh (Ref. 3726).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 April 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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