Wrasses

Lyretail hogfish (Bodianus anthioides)

The Lyretail hogfish (Bodianus anthioides) belongs to the family Labridae (wrasses) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in pairs or alone. It reaches about 18 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Lyretail hogfish (Bodianus anthioides), a Red Sea fish of the wrasses family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameBodianus anthioides
FamilyWrasses (Labridae)
Common name (IT)Tordo lira
Common name (EN)Lyretail hogfish
Maximum size18 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Lyretail hogfish belong to?
The Lyretail hogfish (Bodianus anthioides) belongs to the family Labridae (wrasses).
Is the Lyretail hogfish dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Lyretail hogfish endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Lyretail hogfish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 18 cm.

Explore the Lyretail hogfish in 3D in the interactive atlas →