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Twin-spot Hogfish
(Bodianus bimaculatus)
Bodianus bimaculatus, commonly known as the Twin-spot hogfish or Red Sea hogfish, is a species of wrasse belonging to the family Labridae. Here are some key details about this fish:
- Appearance: Twin-spot hogfish have a distinctive appearance with a elongated, laterally compressed body. Adults typically have a pinkish to reddish body coloration, sometimes with a yellowish tinge, and are adorned with two prominent black spots on their sides, near the tail. Juveniles have a more yellowish body coloration with a dark stripe running from the snout through the eye to the base of the tail.
- Distribution: This species is found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and extending to the western Pacific Ocean.
- Habitat: Twin-spot hogfish are typically found in clear, shallow waters near coral reefs, reef flats, and lagoons. They prefer areas with abundant coral growth and rocky substrates where they can seek shelter and forage for food.
- Behavior: Bodianus bimaculatus is carnivorous, feeding primarily on small invertebrates such as crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. They are known to use their prominent teeth to crush hard-shelled prey.