Twinspot hogfish

[Anonymous]

I'm looking to add one of these small wrasses to my 120 FOWLR. Are they known to molest shrimp or crabs? The only info I have on them is from Scott Michael's book and he makes no mention of them being a threat.
Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a feeling Matt Wandell might know. If he doesn't reply, try pming him.

 

[maroonsalty]

If your talking about Bodianus bimaculatus. I kept one in my 40 gal mixed reef untill a tripped gfci turned the power off to the tank while we were away for a few days. This is a great little fish! It didn't bother my peppermint shrimp or the couple hermits in the tank. I really like this fish because of its alert and interactive nature.

 

[Anonymous]

I've never kept this species, but have kept other juveniles in the genus around the max size of it (B. pulchellus, rufus, mesothorax...). I've also talked with a lot of people about the behavior of it and observed full grown ones established in reef tanks.

They have pretty cosmopolitan diets, but the relative sizes we're talking about are important. A full grown twinspot hog will take out small shrimp like baby cleaners and peppermints added after it no problem. Full grown cleaners? Probably okay if added before the hog. It'll definitely go after small hermit crabs, any small porcelain crabs, and tiny snails too. They even eat chitons. Those really tiny brittle stars will likely be consumed. Larger echinoderms should be fine. They can also be bullies to smaller passive fish. I wouldn't try keeping it with flasher wrasses or firefish, for instance. Having said all that they're worth it, by far. Great personalities and hardy as hell.

Your mileage may vary.

Matt

And after typing all that, I found this:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/apr2002/Fish.htm

:lol:

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the informative replies. Seems now my main concern would be for my small crabs, snails and shrimp, although it may just work out. I may give it a go.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the informative replies. Seems now my main concern would be for my small crabs, snails and shrimp, although it may just work out. I may give it a go.

I see a lot of really tiny ones for sale. Try getting a 1-2" specimen and you'll be fine until it gets bigger.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the informative replies. Seems now my main concern would be for my small crabs, snails and shrimp, although it may just work out. I may give it a go.

I see a lot of really tiny ones for sale. Try getting a 1-2" specimen and you'll be fine until it gets bigger.

The one available is smallish. Nice healthy looking bugger. I think it's mine. Thanks again.