Hogfish

Biology

The hogfish, the only member of the genus Lachnolaimus, is found in coral reef areas, on the open sea floor, and also where gorgonians (cnidarians) are abundant. It uses its pig-like snout to search for food: molluscs and crustaceans.

Conservation

Even though this species has a wide distribution, the level of recreational spear-fishing is estimated to have caused a 30 percent decline in global population, with particular localized declines as high as 60 percent in Florida. This decline is thought to have been occurring for 14 years, which qualifies the hogfish for vulnerable status.

Curiosities

The hogfish are born as females; however, at the age of three, the ones that reach great sizes can become males. They live in harems, where one male will mate and protect a group of females in his territory.