Bodianus bilunulatus

Description

Bodianus bilunulatus (tarry hogfish) is a species of wrasse native to the Indian Ocean from the African coast to the western Pacific Ocean to Japan, New Caledonia, and the Philippines. This species occurs on reef slopes at depths of from 3 to 160 m (9.8 to 524.9 ft) with the adults being found in deeper waters than the juveniles. This species can reach 55 cm (22 in) in total length with a maximum recorded weight of 1.8 kg (4.0 lb). It is of minor importance to local commercial fisheries and is also popular as a game fish. It can also be found in the aquarium trade. Other common names include: blackspot wrasse, crescent-banded hogfish, saddle-back hogfish, table boss, and tuxedo hogfish. The Hawaiian population of this species has been recently elevated to full species status based on some minor coloration differences, as Bodianus albotaeniatus.