Yellow Candy Hogfish

Also known as the Yellowstripe Hogfish or Candy Hogfish

The Yellow Candy Hogfish is a stunning and vibrant species that brings brilliant coloration and active personality to marine aquariums. Native to the Western Pacific, from Indonesia to the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, this beautiful wrasse features a vivid yellow body adorned with pink to red horizontal stripes creating a candy-like appearance. With their hardy nature, peaceful temperament toward most fish, and eye-catching colors, Yellow Candy Hogfish make excellent additions for intermediate aquarists with appropriately sized reef or FOWLR systems.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Bodianus bimaculatus
• Common Names: Yellow Candy Hogfish, Yellowstripe Hogfish, Candy Hogfish, Twospot Hogfish
• Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm); commonly 3.5–4.5 inches in aquariums
• Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; generally good community fish
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with caution – may consume ornamental shrimp and small invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum (75+ gallons recommended)
• Experience Level: Intermediate – hardy and adaptable

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found on coral reefs, reef slopes, and rubble areas at depths of 15–130 feet. Often observed foraging among rocks and coral branches for small invertebrates.

Tank Environment:

• Moderate rockwork with hiding spots
• Open swimming areas essential
• Sandy substrate preferred (may bury when startled)
• Secure rockwork formations
• Tight-fitting lid recommended (can jump when startled)
• Compatible with reef or FOWLR systems

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Fresh/frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill (primary diet)
• Chopped seafood, fish, squid
• High-quality marine carnivore pellets
• Frozen seafood medley
• Vitamin-enriched preparations

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 times daily
• Readily accepts most prepared foods
• Active feeder with strong appetite
• May hunt microfauna naturally

Behavior & Compatibility

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Tangs, angelfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, damselfish, gobies, blennies, peaceful wrasses, cardinalfish, anthias, most peaceful to semi-aggressive fish
• Caution with: Small ornamental shrimp, small crabs, other hogfish (may be territorial), very timid species
• Avoid: Large aggressive species, multiple hogfish in smaller tanks, small invertebrates

Social Behavior:

• Generally peaceful toward most fish
• Active swimmer constantly foraging
• May be territorial toward other hogfish or similar wrasses
• Can be kept singly or in male/female pairs in larger tanks
• Bold and outgoing once established
• May bury in sand when stressed or at night
• Constantly exploring rockwork for food

Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with corals and anemones; completely safe with sessile invertebrates. Will consume ornamental shrimp (cleaner shrimp, peppermint shrimp, fire shrimp), small crabs, snails, and bristleworms. Safe with all fish. Best for fish-only systems or reefs without ornamental crustaceans.

Color & Development

Coloration: Brilliant golden-yellow to lemon-yellow body with 4–6 horizontal pink to reddish-pink stripes running from head to tail; two distinctive black spots (one near dorsal fin, one on tail base); fins yellow with pink highlights; absolutely vibrant candy-striped appearance; juveniles show same pattern as adults.

Color Intensity:

• High-quality diet maintains brilliant yellow base
• Pink stripes remain vivid throughout life
• Stress may cause temporary color fading
• Colors most intense in mature specimens
• Excellent water quality essential for optimal appearance
• One of the most colorful hogfish species

Size & Growth:

• Juveniles typically available at 2–3 inches
• Moderate growth rate: 1–2 inches annually
• Reach 3.5–4.5 inches within 2–3 years
• One of the smaller hogfish species

Why Choose a Quarantined Yellow Candy Hogfish?

A properly quarantined Yellow Candy Hogfish is a healthier, acclimated specimen that has been observed, treated, and conditioned for aquarium life. Our quarantine protocol includes 4–6 weeks minimum observation, preventative parasite treatment, dietary conditioning to varied frozen foods, behavioral assessment, and stress reduction protocols.

These spectacular hogfish combine brilliant yellow-and-pink candy striping with hardy nature and active personality, making them outstanding additions for intermediate aquarists. Their vibrant coloration rivals any marine fish, while their bold foraging behavior and constant activity create engaging displays. Unlike larger hogfish species, their manageable size makes them suitable for medium-sized aquariums. Perfect for reef systems without ornamental shrimp or FOWLR setups where their stunning candy-striped appearance and entertaining personality can be fully appreciated. Among the most colorful and personable smaller wrasse species available – an absolute showstopper that’s also remarkably hardy and easy to feed.