Bodianus diana (Lacepède, 1801)

Scientific Nomenclature

Diana's hogfish, with the scientific name Bodianus diana (Lacepède, 1801), is a species of wrasse.

Native Range

It is native to the Indian Ocean, ranging from the African coast to the Nicobars and the Cocos-Keeling Islands.

Misidentification Records

All reported sightings of this species in the western Pacific Ocean are incorrect.

Habitat

It lives on the seaward side of reefs, found at depths between 6 meters (20 feet) and 50 meters (164 feet), though it is rarely found deeper than 25 meters (82 feet).

Size

The maximum recorded total length for this species is 16.9 centimeters (6.7 inches).

Human Uses

Bodianus diana is a species of minor importance to local commercial fisheries, and it is also sold in the aquarium trade.

Range Clarification

While the species is broadly referenced as occurring in the Indo-Pacific region from the Red Sea and East Africa toward the Marshall Islands, its confirmed native range is restricted to the Indian Ocean.

Juvenile Behavior

Juvenile Diana's hogfish have been observed living among the tentacles of the mushroom coral Heliofungia actiniformis.