Diana's hogfish


Diana's hogfish, Bodianus diana, is a species of wrasse native to the Indian Ocean from the African coast to the Nicobars and the Cocos-Keeling Islands. Reports of its presence in the western Pacific Ocean are erroneous. It occurs on the seaward side of reefs at depths from . It can reach a length of. This species is of minor importance to local commercial fisheries and is found in the aquarium trade.

Habitat

Diana's hogfish is generally found in the Indo-Pacific region including the Red Sea and East Africa towards the Marshall Islands. Juveniles have been observed living among the tentacles of the mushroom coral Heliofungia actiniformis.

Diet

Diana's hogfish feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates such as mollusks and crustaceans. Juveniles are known to remove parasites from other fishes.

Utilization

This species is collected for the aquarium trade.