Hogfish reef safe?

[Anonymous]

Are cuban or spanish hogfish reef safe?
I have a 58G oceanic. The LFS seemed to feel they would not nip at my clams or corals, but they might eat my crabs or shrimp. Any thoughts or experience?

mitch

 

[Enkidu]

I know that when I was having problems with parasitic isopods someone suggested the cuban hogfish as a possible solution. I would say your LFS is right; that it would sample crabs and shrimp for sure, it might not harm clams/corals.

 

[cgbexec]

Mitch,

The hogfish should be perfectly reef safe. They have small mouths and will have trouble picking on larger shrimps, but small crabs and shrimp may become dinner. I would strart with a juvinile. They are less likely to pick on anything. I caught mine(Spanish) back in June of last year and has been a wonderful fish. It has not picked on any of my coral or fish. He did eat my anoneme(sp?) shrimp, which were very small. He has never messed with my Coral banded, which are too large for him to mess with. Hog fish sleep when the lights go out, so nocternal creatures such as amphipods should be safe. Good luck!

Chris