Bodianus masudai, also known as the Masuda’s Hogfish or Peppermint Hogfish, is a rare hogfish species endemic to Japan. This captivating fish hails from the deep waters off Japan, New Caledonia, and Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean. Despite its rarity, it has made an appearance in the marine hobby, captivating rare fish collectors, wrasse enthusiasts, and reef aquarists alike.
Here are some intriguing details about the Masuda’s Hogfish:
- Size: Fully grown, it reaches a modest length of just 5 inches (12.5 cm), making it more suitable for reef aquariums than some of its larger hogfish relatives.
- Preferred Depth: The red coloration of this hogfish hints at its preferred depth range. In nature, it is found between 30 to 113 meters (98 to 370 feet), residing in the Mezophotic Zone. While it is currently being kept in shallow, tropical waters, replicating conditions closer to its natural habitat would likely make it feel more at home.
- Taxonomy: Bodianus masudai was described in 1975, and the genus was later revised in 2006. It belongs to the subgenus Trochocopus, along with other species like B. bimaculatus, B. izuensis, B. neopercularis, B. opercularis, B. sanguineus, B. sepiacaudus, and B. tanyokidus.
- Desirability: Due to its small size, striking color, compatibility, and rarity, the Masuda’s Hogfish is highly desirable among reef aquarists. It’s a fish that stands out in both appearance and uniqueness.
While the price of this beauty may prohibit most of us from owning one, just imagine keeping a pair!
