Opercularis vs. Neopercularis Hogfish

steelersfan

Member
Besides the location from where they are collected, what are the differences between these two Hogfish? Any one have either of these fish?

Thanks
 

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B. neopercularis was only recognized as a separate species in 2006; the range of the two species do not overlap, hence they are classified as separate.

Considering the small and remote range neopercularis is known it's collection is much less frequent, hence the price difference.

Beyond that, no real difference; a subtle difference in the tail.
 
I didn't think they had that much yellow in them...? A couple pictures in various articles on RB's showed them exhibiting solely white and red, true to the "peppermint" common name.
 
I didn't think they had that much yellow in them...? A couple pictures in various articles on RB's showed them exhibiting solely white and red, true to the "peppermint" common name.
You've mixed up species; Bodianus sepiacaudus (Peppermint) is a different species.

how safe are these guys in reefs?
Absolutely coral safe. Not necessarily crab/shrimp safe.


Also, I was thinking about this a bit more yesterday evening, and I don't want to give the impression that B. neopercularis is more rare than B. opercularis; both are rarities in the hobby.
 
neopercularis is more rare, mainly because of its limited range. B. opercularis is much more common in Asian markets than here.
 
B.opercularis can be very aggressive after long time in the tank.

I never experienced any aggression in first few months, but later they can be terror especially to wrasses.
 
That goes with the territory for most all hogfish really.

Not something you should keep alongside peaceful wrasses.
 
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