Description:

Dorsal spines: 12; Dorsal rays: 9-10; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 10-12.

A relatively small hogfish. Snout with steep profle to convexly rounded forehead and slightly convex nape. Preopercle full scaled. Prominent anterior 
canines on upper jaw. Caudal fin distinctly emarginate distinguishing it from all other species of Bodianus. In juveniles upper and lower rays of caudal 
fin form elongate filaments. 

Colour: Anterior of body orange to brown with white posterior covered in dark blotches. Dorsal and ventral margins of caudal fin dark colour commencing 
anterior of the caudal peduncle. Adults with prominent black spot on the front of the dorsal fin.
 

Maturity: Unknown. Max length: 24.0 cm TL.
 

Inhabits steep outer reef slopes (6-60 m) usually below 25 m, often associated with gorgonians and seawhips. Usually solitary. Juveniles pose as 
cleaners fish. Oviparous. Forms pairs during breeding.

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. Not yet noted in artisanal catch 2012-2022 (J. Nevill pers obs). 
 

Photographed at Alphonse atoll, Seychelles.
 

Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.de/summary/5497 (16/09/22)
Gomon, M.F. & Bray, D.J. Bodianus anthioides in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/209 (16/09/22)
Mason-Parker, C. et al. (2021). Bodianus anthoides in Reef Fishes of Seychelles. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, UK
Russell, B. (2010). Bodianus anthioides. The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T187715A8610252.en. (16/09/22).

Mason-Parker, C. & Nevill, J.E.G. (2022). Bodianus anthoides, Lyretail hogfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/7934-2/