ANIMAL SPECIES:Axilspot Hogfish, Bodianus axillaris (Bennett, 1831)
The Axilspot Hogfish is mainly found in the Indo-Pacific and it is also common to see them kept in aquariums.
Alternative Names/s
Also known as Axil Hog.Identification
Adult Axilspot Hogfish are red-brown anteriorly, grading to white posteriorly. They have a large black spot on the pectoral fin base, on the soft dorsal fin and on the anal fin. Juveniles are black with two rows of large white spots.
Size range
The Axilspot Hogfish grows to 20 cm in length.Distribution
The species has a widespread Indo-Pacific distribution.
In Australia it is recorded from the south-western coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north of the country and south to the central coast of New South Wales.
Distribution by collection data
Biomaps map of Axilspot Hogfish specimens in the Australian Museum collection.
Classification
- Species:
- axillaris
- Genus:
- Bodianus
- Family:
- Labridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Further Reading
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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An Axilspot Hogfish at North Solitary Island View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
An Axilspot Hogfish caught at Guam View full size
John Randall
© John Randall
A juvenile Axilspot Hogfish at North Solitary Island View full size
Ian Shaw
© Ian Shaw
A Map Pufferfish being cleaned by Axilspot Hogfish View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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