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Hogfish

Lachnolaimus maximus
Managed by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Regions
Florida
Protected status
None
Also known as
—

Species Profile

Florida saltwater profile data (FWC). Availability and detail varies by species.

FWC
Size
Up to 36 inches
Appearance
  • First 3 spines of dorsal fin greatly elongated
  • Black blotch near end of dorsal fin
  • Body deep, strongly compressed
  • Snout elongated in adults
  • Tail with elongated upper and lower lobes
  • Young mottled with various colors, fading with age
Habitat
Newly spawned hogfish have a larval duration of about 26 days with the young settling in shallow inshore nursery habitats such as seagrass beds. As hogfish mature, they gradually move to deeper waters and rocky bottoms, ledges and offshore reefs.
Behavior
Long, hog-like snout allows them to feed on bottom-dwelling mollusks and crustaceans. Because they tend to root in the sediment in search of small prey, they are not commonly caught on hook and line.
Additional information
State Record:Recreational RegulationsHogfish ResearchSee a full list of our Social Media accountsSubscribe:AboutThe CommissionCommission MeetingsWildlife AlertCalendar of EventsOutlook E-mailLimited English Proficiency PlanOffice of Supplier DevelopmentAmericans with DisabilitiesEEO/AAPrivacy StatementSitemap2025 Agency Regulatory Plan
Sources
Image credit: © Diane Rome Peebles