| Hogfish and razorfish are both members of the Wrasse family (Labridae), but have different common names because of their unique shape and behavior. Hogfish are the largest members of the Wrasse family growing to a length of three feet; whereas, razorfish tend to be as small as three to six inches. Razorfish get their common name from their razor-thin body which aids in protection and hogfish get their common name from their long snouts which are used to root for food. |
| Hogfish like to root in the sand for mollusks, crabs and urchins. They have a prominent set of canine teeth for grasping and cutting their food, which gives them a “buck tooth” appearance They also have a set of teeth in their throat (pharyngeal teeth) which gives them the ability to crush hard shell invertebrates. When hogfish are feeding or being cleaned, they display a banded, reddish-brown color phase. |
| All species of Hogfish and razorfish start life as females. Like parrotfish, all wrasse are protogynous hermaphrodites — meaning, females have the ability to change into males, but cannot change back. |
| Razorfish inhabit open sand flats and grassy beds of the tropical western Atlantic and Caribbean area. There are three Razorfish species in this area: Rosy Razorfish, Green Razorfish and Pearly Razorfish. The Pearly Razorfish has a very steep snout giving the head a squared-off appearance. |
| When threatened by predators, razorfish drop to the sand and take on a bloched color pattern. If the predator continues to approach, they dive head-first into the sand using their razor-like foreheads and rapid body vibrations. Although the razorfish may be completely buried, some predators such as rays, dolphins and hammerhead sharks have the ability to detect their hiding places. |
| Hogfish use their pectoral fins for swimming and can be easily identified with their long foredorsal fins and unique colors. The three Hogfish species found in the tropical western Atlantic region are: the Hogfish, the Spanish Hogfish and the Spotfin Hogfish. Spanish Hogfish have a purple upper forebody with a yellow-gold belly and tail. The smaller adult Spotfin Hogfish has a red forebody, yellow rear dorsal fin and tail with a blotch on the dorsal fin. The Hogfish has initial elongated dorsal spines and varies from pearl white to a banded reddish color with a dark area from the snout to the dorsal area. |
| Members of the hogfish family can be easily approached and have little fear of divers. Unfortunately, this has caused the Hogfish to be over harvested by spearfishing in many areas. Even though Hogfish have been implicated in ciguatera poisoning, this fish remains a popular food fish for spearfisherman. |
