Species profile
Hogfish
Lachnolaimus maximus
At a glance
Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) is an IUCN Vulnerable bony-fish species regulated in 3 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 1 (Florida); the most generous is 5 (Louisiana).
Confirmed by 421 research-grade iNaturalist observations across the species' range.
Notable details
- Named for its distinctly pig-like snout, used to root through sandy bottoms for buried clams and urchins.
- A protogynous hermaphrodite — all individuals begin life as females, and dominant ones can become male.
- Can reach 3 feet (91 cm) and 22 pounds, with a documented lifespan of up to 23 years.
- Widely considered one of the finest-tasting fish in the Caribbean for its sweet, mild flesh.
- Dominant males develop a distinct dark spot at the rear base of the dorsal fin.
Where Hogfish are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Hogfish
Background
The hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) is a species of wrasse native to the Western Atlantic Ocean, living in a range from Nova Scotia, Canada, to northern South America, including the Gulf of Mexico. This species occurs around reefs, especially preferring areas with plentiful gorgonians. This species is currently the only known member of its genus.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Hogfish article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.