Black Ear Candy Hogfish (Bodianus tanyokidus)

Why it is a Collector's Vault fish: One of the rarest fish in the hobby. The Black Ear Candy Hogfish lives mostly 330 to 650 feet deep, from Mauritius to southern Japan, and the first specimen ever imported into the United States arrived in 2023. At that time the only other one known in captivity was at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan. Its name comes from the elongated black spot on the gill cover that looks like a black earring.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Bodianus tanyokidus
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific (Mauritius to southern Japan)
• Care level: Expert
• Reef safe: Yes (does not eat corals; may eat small shrimp, crabs and snails)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Max size: 7 inches
• Minimum aquarium: 125 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• Water: 68-75°F, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025

Compatibility

• Good tankmates: Angelfish, tangs, larger wrasses and other robust fish
• Avoid: Small shrimp, crabs and snails, which it may eat

Care Notes

• A deep-water fish that does best in cooler, stable water around 72-74°F
• Provide rockwork and caves, and keep lighting moderate at first while it settles in
• Feed meaty foods such as krill, mysis and chopped seafood

How to Buy, Pickup & Shipping

• Conditioned (7-Day Hold): your fish usually reaches us the day after you order. We then hold it for at least 7 days to inspect it, make sure it is eating and check for any sign of disease before it goes home with you. Covered by our Collector's Vault Guarantee.
• Direct - Save 15%: released as soon as it arrives, with no conditioning period. Sold as-is with no live arrival or health guarantee.
• Store pickup in Sugar Land, or $100 flat-rate FedEx Priority Overnight shipping within the continental U.S. (ships Monday through Thursday; weather holds as needed).
• Full terms: Collector's Vault Shipping & Guarantee.