Bay Of Bengal Hogfish

Bodianus neilli

Bodianus neilli, commonly known as the Bay of Bengal Hogfish, is a member of the wrasse family Labridae. This species is typically found in the Indian Ocean, particularly along the coasts of India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the Andaman Sea. It inhabits shallow coastal reefs and turbid lagoon reefs, preferring depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, though it is most commonly observed between 10 and 30 meters. Divers might encounter this fish in tropical waters with temperatures between 23°C and 28°C. The Bay of Bengal Hogfish can grow up to 20 cm in total length. It is a reef-associated fish, often seen around coral structures. During breeding, this species exhibits distinct pairing behavior, as it is oviparous. For divers, encountering the Bay of Bengal Hogfish can be a serene experience, as these fish are harmless to humans. They are also of commercial interest for fisheries and aquariums. The IUCN has assessed this species as Least Concern.