Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: With Caution

General Description: The Peppermint Candycane Hogfish, also known as the Crescent-tail, Blackspot, Pacific Redstripe or Masudai Hogfish, are found throughout the western Central Pacific. Given their ecological niche of steep reef drop-offs, the Peppermint candycane hogfish does not make its way into the aquarium trade very often. An overall hardy and peaceful species, the Peppermint candycane hogfish has a very slender and long body with vibrant red horizontal stripes that interchange with white stripes, including the eyes! At the base of the caudal fin, a dark red-black spot can be seen. An adult Peppermint candycane hogfish can reach a size of approximately 4 to 5″.

Diet Requirements: Peppermint candycane hogfish are carnivores, actively hunting tiny crustaceans (e.g., copepods, featherdusters) throughout the day. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other mixed frozen foods that contain algae, such as spirulina, will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as hogfish tend to have very high metabolisms. Multiple, small feedings per day rather than one large feeding can also help and in turn create more of a natural environment for a Peppermint candycane hogfish as it would feed in the wild. Peppermint candycane hogfish may also accept high quality flake or pellet foods.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Peppermint candycane hogfish. A tight fitting lid is a must because this species has been known to jump out of aquariums. Peppermint candycane hogfish should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium. They also require a variety of rock work and crevices to swim through and around while they hunt and for refuge. Such live rock arrangements can also help to make it feel secure and encourage more outgoing behavior after its introduced. As juveniles, this species should be kept with non-aggressive tank mates. As it becomes an adult, some Peppermint candycane hogfish can bully more docile species such as firefish and flasher/fairy wrasses. This species would feel most at home in a relatively peaceful fish only with live rock set-up or a reef setting, but ornamental shrimps can be at risk – especially if introduced after your Peppermint candycane hogfish is established. Peppermint candycane hogfish will ignore corals entirely. Only one individual is recommended per aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Medium: 2″ to 3-1/4″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 4-1/2″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.