Description:

Dorsal spines: 12; Dorsal rays: 10; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 12.

Large, moderately deep bodied wrasse. Anterior dorsal profile gently curved down to terminal mouth with prominent canine teeth. 4 strong canines situated anteriorly in each 
jaw; a large, curved canine present on each side of rear of upper jaw. Dorsal fin continuous. Cuadal fin truncate with extended lobes in adults.

Colour.

Juveniles white with numerous narrow red horizontal stripes on sides and a broad, vertical black band on the posterior part of body, extending from dorsal edge of dorsal fin 
to ventral edge of anal fin.

Adults: Reddish stripes on upper head and back. Scales on flanks with red margins against pale base colour. A large black saddle at the rear of the dorsal fin that may 
become indistinct/grey in large males. Prominent black spot between the first 4 or 5 spines of dorsal fin. Yellow to orangish tail.
 

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 55 cm TL. Size at sex change: 38.6-40.5 cm TL.

Inhabits coral reefs (depth 3-160m). Adults typically associated with deep reef slopes rich in sponges and seawhips. Usually solitary. Feeds primarily on benthic, hard 
shelled, invertebrates such as molluscs and crustaceans. Protogynous. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the handline fishery, but is a rare component of the catch.
 

Bray, D. J.  Bodianus bilunulatus in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/211 (03/06/19).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/6580 (03/06/19).
Randall, J.E. (1986). Labridae. p. 683-706. In M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra (eds.) Smiths' sea fishes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
Russell, B. (2010). Bodianus bilunulatus. The IUCN Red List 2010: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T187554A8566714.en. (03/06/19).

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Bodianus bilunulatus, Tarry hogfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/bodianus-bilunulatus-lacepede-1801/ (edited 08/07/22).