The Hogfish is a species of fish (Lachnolaimus maximus) that is a member of the wrasse, Labridae, family. The hogfish is one of the larger species of wrasses and is found in the western Atlantic Ocean with a range from Bermuda, south through the Caribbean Sea and northern Gulf of Mexico, continuing to the north coast of South America. Hogfish are very abundant in the Florida Keys and are a valuable economical important species among fisherman.

Characteristics

The hogfish is characterized by a large laterally compressed body shape. It possesses a very elongated snout which it uses to search for crustaceans buried in the sediment. Interestingly it is from this very long “pig-like” snout and its rooting behavior that the hogfish gets its name. The caudal, or tail fin, is somewhat lunate and the pectoral fins are along the lateral sides of the body with the paired pelvic fins directly below. A prominent black spot behind the pectoral fins differentiates male from females. The dorsal fin, usually is composed of three or four long dorsal spines followed by a series of shorter dorsal spines.

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Life Cycle

The hogfish, like many wrasses, is a sequential hermaphrodite. Which means it changes sex during different life stages. The hogfish is a protogynous, “first female” hermaphrodite. This means that the juvenile hogfish start out as female and then after a certain age mature to become male. The change usually occurs around 3 years of age and about 14inches in length. (Davis 1976) Females and juveniles will usually start out as a pale gray, brown, or reddish brown with a paler underside with no distinct color patterns. Males are signified by their coloration and have a deep dark band spanning from their snout to the first dorsal spine as well as the lateral black spot behind the pectoral fins. Hogfish reach a maximum size of about 3 feet and approximately 22 pounds and have been recorded to live up to 11 years. (FWCC, FMRI 2008) Spawning in South Florida occurs from November through June. Also Hogfish social groups are organized into harems where one male will mate and protect a group of females in its territory.

Economic Importance

Hogfish is a recreational important species. It is a commonly targeted species for many spear and reef fisherman and is regarded highly by many for its taste and food value. In 2007 the Florida landings of hogfish totaled 306,953 pounds. The fish stocks are regulated by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commissions. Bag, size, and gear limits all have been placed on this species to ensure a healthy stock and to protect it from overfishing. The hogfish is currently listed as "Vulnerable" with the World Conservation Union (IUCN).