Introduction
The Hogfish, scientific name Lachnolaimus maximus, belongs to the wrasse family, Labridae. It’s a popular species targeted by both commercial and recreational fishermen due to its excellent culinary qualities.
Conservation Status
The Hogfish is currently categorised as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN. Due to its popularity as a culinary delight, regulations have been put in place to manage overfishing. These include size and bag limits, as well as seasonal closures in certain areas.
Statistics
| Statistic | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 36 inches | 14-36 inches |
| Weight | 11 pounds | 2-21 pounds |
| Lifespan | 11 years | n/a |
Distribution
Hogfish are found in the Western Atlantic region, from Nova Scotia, Canada to northern South America, including Bermuda and the Gulf of Mexico. They are known to migrate during breeding seasons but these are short, localized migrations.
Habitats
Hogfish inhabit brackish waters and are found at depth ranges from 10 to 30 meters. They prefer warmer water temperatures from 22°C to 28°C.
When and Where to See
Hogfish are more abundant during the summer months. They are more active during the day, as they spend their nights buried in the sand or hidden in reefs.
Best Fishing Locations
The best places to fish for Hogfish include:
- Florida Keys, Florida
- Tampa Bay, Florida
- Cape Canaveral, Florida
- Charleston, South Carolina
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Jekyll Island, Georgia
- Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Outer Banks, North Carolina
- Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
- Bermuda Islands
How to Catch
Hogfish can be caught using live shrimp or live crabs as bait. Popular fishing techniques include spearfishing and bottom fishing. The best time to catch Hogfish is during the day and in the summer months.
Identification Guide
Hogfishes are easily recognizable due to their elongated snouts and their pig-like grunts when removed from the water. They are generally bright pink or red with a deep forked tail. Juveniles have a black spot at the base of the dorsal fin.
Culinary
Hogfish is a delicate and delicious fish that is highly prized. It can be grilled, baked, fried or eaten raw in dishes like sushi or ceviche. The taste is sweet, with a slight shellfish-like flavor due to its diet of crustaceans.
Additional Information
Hogfish are social creatures that are often found in groups. They feed on small invertebrates, including mollusks and crustaceans. Hogfish are known for their unique way of feeding, where they use their elongated snouts to search for prey in the sand. Predators of the Hogfish include larger fish such as groupers and barracudas.
References and Further Reading
- FishBase
- Florida Museum
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission