Care
The Twospot Hogfish is known from the rubbly and sandy areas of steep outer reef slopes, at depths between 30-60m (98-197ft). Here, they form small aggregations amongst the corals and sponges, these groups usually comprising several juveniles and females, and dominated by a single large male. Juvenile fish are bright yellow, mature females taking on more of an orange hue as reddish lines develop across the flanks, and male fish sport pink colouration with red lines. Hardy and relatively peaceful, Twospot Hogfish make a fascinating addition to reef aquaria where no ornamental shrimp are present. The tank should be mature and furnished with plenty of living rock to provide feeding opportunities and shady hiding places. Juveniles do best if housed with nonaggressive tankmates, but as this species matures, it will become more boisterous and may bully smaller, more docile fish such as firefish, flasher wrasses, leopard wrasses, pipefishes, and seahorses, so choose tankmates with care. It is best to house this species singly, as adults can be rather territorial towards one another. However, if the aquarium is of vast proportions, groups of 5 or more may be kept if all specimens are of the same size and are added simultaneously. Effective filtration and circulation with a high level of oxygenation are a must in order to maintain optimal water conditions. Tight fitting coverslides are also essential, as these fish are expert jumpers. Twospot Hogfish are sequential protogynous hermaphrodites "“ born as female but able to change sex to male. The largest fish in the group will be a dominant male, while the smaller fish remain female. If the dominant male dies, the largest female changes sex and takes his place. May also be seen on sale as Twinspot Hogfish or Yellow Hogfish.
Feeding
Carnivorous. Will readily accept most meaty frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp, krill, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped prawns/cockle/mussel/whitebait etc. Juvenile fish may accept flake, adults not so much. Feed small amounts 2 or 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
