Hogfish

 ( Labridae ) 

The hogfish ( Lachnolaimus maximus), also known as boquinete, doncella de pluma, or pez perro in Mexico is a species of wrasse native to the western Atlantic Ocean, living in a range from Nova Scotia, Canada, to northern South America, including the Gulf of Mexico. This species occurs around reefs, especially preferring areas with plentiful gorgonians. It is a carnivore that feeds on , , and sea urchins. This species is currently the only known member of its genus.

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Description The hogfish possesses a very elongated snout, which it uses to search for crustaceans buried in the sediment. This very long "pig-like" snout and its rooting behavior give the hogfish its name. A prominent black spot behind the pectoral fins differentiates males from females. The dorsal fin usually is composed of three or four long dorsal spines followed by a series of shorter dorsal spines. Hogfish reach a maximum of in total length and a weight around . Females and juveniles usually start out as pale gray, brown, or reddish-brown in color, with a paler underside and no distinct patterns. Males are distinguished by a deep, dark band spanning from the snout to the first dorsal spine, and by a lateral black spot behind the pectoral fins. Hogfish also have a form of active camouflage with the assist of dermal photoreception, a sensory capability allowing them to detect light through their skin. Specialized cells containing Opsin, located beneath Chromatophore, enable hogfish to perceive changes in ambient light.

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Lifecycle Like many wrasses, the hogfish is a sequential hermaphrodite, meaning it changes sex during different life stages; it is a protogynous, "first female" hermaphrodite; Juvenile fish hogfish start out as female and then mature to become male. The change usually occurs around three years of age and about in length.Davis, J. C. 1976. Biology of the hogfish, Lachnolaimus maximus (Walbaum), in the Florida Keys. M. S. Thesis, University of Miami, Coral Gables. p 87.

Hogfish have been recorded to live up to 11 years.FWCC, FMRI 2008 Spawning in South Florida occurs from November through June.Colin, P. L. 1982. Spawning and larval development of the hogfish, Lachnolaimus maximus (Pisces: Labridae). Fish. Bull. 80: 853–862 Hogfish social groups are organized into harems where one male mates with and protects a group of females in his territory.

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Economic importance Florida landings of hogfish totaled in 2007. The Fish stocks are regulated by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Bag, size, and gear limits all have been placed on this species to ensure a healthy stock and to protect it from overfishing.

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Gallery

File:Hogfish, Albuquerque, NM, USA imported from iNaturalist photo 286792762.jpg|With raised dorsal fin File:Hogfish.JPG File:Lachnolaimus maximus.jpg

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External links

• Florida Museum of Natural History: Hogfish

Categories: Labridae, Fish Of The Eastern United States, Fish Of The Western Atlantic, Fish Described In 1792, Taxa Named By Johann Julius Walbaum

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