Fish
Goldsaddle Hogfish Wrasse
Bodianus perditio
A large reef hogfish, yellow when young and turning deep red with age, marked by a dark saddle-like blotch beneath the dorsal fin.
Also known as goudsaal- varkvis
- Typical size
- Attains 80 cm
- Habitat
- Rocky and coral reefs
The goldsaddle hogfish is a big wrasse that shifts colour as it grows, smaller fish being more yellow and large adults mainly red flecked with small yellow spots. A dark blotch below the dorsal fin, preceded by a pale bar, gives the fish its saddled look; in juveniles this is a broad black patch over the rear body.
It attains 80 cm and has an unusual anti-tropical spread, known from islands of southern Oceania, eastern Australia, Japan and our own Natal coast. Like other hogfishes it is a reef-dweller that roots along the bottom for hard-shelled prey.