Bodianus vulpinus (Richardson, 1850)
Western pigfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Labridae (Wrasses), subfamily: Bodianinae
Max. size:  43.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 100 - 250 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: endemic to Western Australia. Reported from New Zealand in a number of references (Ref. 5755, 27073) but following Kuiter 1993 (Ref. 9002) these would be misidentifications of Bodianus unimaculatus. Report of occurrence from Hawaii, Ryukyu and Easter islands (Ref. 28618) need to be verified.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabits sandy bottom and some rock and coral rubble (Ref. 75973); adults inhabit rock reef (Ref. 75154). Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 April 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.