About Bodianus frenchii (Klunzinger, 1879)
Nomenclature
This species, commonly called the foxfish, has the scientific name Bodianus frenchii (Klunzinger, 1879).
Adult Coloration
Adult foxfish are brown, red, or orange, and have two spots on their back.
Juvenile Coloration
Juvenile foxfish are brown, with three yellow patches and a black area around the pectoral fin.
Habitat
Foxfish typically live under ledges and in caves.
Lifespan
It is a long-lived species that can reach up to 78 years of age, making it one of the two longest-lived wrasse species alongside the western blue groper.
Reproductive Biology
Foxfish are protogynous hermaphrodites.
Spawning Behavior
They spawn multiple times during late spring and summer, and form distinct pairs when breeding.
Commercial Fishery Interaction
The foxfish is caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries off the coasts of New South Wales and Western Australia.
Recreational Fishing Regulations
In Western Australia, it is targeted by recreational anglers, and the state enforces bag limits for the species.
Aquarium Trade Use
It is also collected for the aquarium trade, and is particularly prized in the United States.
