Hogfish Diana (Bodianus Diana)

Also Known As: Diana Wrasse, Red Diana Hogfish

Compatibility and Behavior The Diana Hogfish is a real showpiece for the right kind of tank. The body shows a unique deep red to burgundy base broken up by bright white patches and streaks, with contrasting black spots near the dorsal region that come together in a dramatic, mottled pattern. Juveniles often display more defined white saddles and spotting, while adults deepen in color and develop a stronger, more imposing presence as they patrol the rockwork. This species runs semi-aggressive to outright aggressive, and territoriality tends to ramp up as the fish matures, so it's best kept alongside similarly sized or larger, confident tankmates rather than timid nano fish. The Diana. Hogfish is reef-safe with strong caution, as it won't bother corals. However, it will often prey on ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and other small invertebrates. In the right setup, though, a Diana Hogfish becomes an active, outgoing swimmer that weaves through caves and ledges and brings constant motion and vivid color to the mid and lower water column.

Aquarium Requirements A spacious, mature marine aquarium with extensive live rock, caves, and tunnels is essential here, providing both shelter and natural hunting routes. A tank with a generous footprint and plenty of rock structure does a lot of work in diffusing aggression, breaking sightlines and giving the fish multiple territories to cruise rather than fixating on a single tankmate. Moderate to strong flow and robust filtration support both the high activity level and the heavier bioload that comes with a meaty diet. This species adapts well to a wide range of lighting styles and is best suited to larger FOWLR systems or very carefully stocked reefs that don't depend on small crustaceans or snails as part of the display. Offer a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam, squid, and quality marine carnivore pellets to keep this hogfish well-conditioned, colorful, and less inclined to take its energy out on tankmates.

Specifications
Approximate Size: Sm: 1.5-2.5", Md: 2.5-3.5"
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Moderate
Reef Safe: With strong caution (likely to eat ornamental shrimp, crabs, and other small inverts, won't eat coral)
Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons
Special Considerations: Not suited to reefs that depend on small crustaceans or snails; needs substantial rockwork with broken sightlines to help manage aggression; best housed with confident, similarly sized or larger tankmates