About Lachnolaimus maximus (Walbaum, 1792)
The hogfish, Lachnolaimus maximus, has a very elongated snout that it uses to search for crustaceans buried in sediment. Its long "pig-like" snout and rooting behavior are what give the species its common name. A prominent black spot located behind the pectoral fins distinguishes males from females. The dorsal fin is usually made up of three or four long dorsal spines, followed by a series of shorter dorsal spines. Hogfish can reach a maximum total length of 90 cm (35 in), and a maximum weight of around 11 kg (24 lb). Females and juvenile hogfish are typically pale gray, brown, or reddish-brown, with a paler underside and no distinct body patterns. Males can be identified by a deep, dark band that stretches from the snout to the first dorsal spine, as well as a lateral black spot behind the pectoral fins. Hogfish can use active camouflage aided by dermal photoreception, a sensory ability that lets them detect light through their skin. Specialized cells that contain opsins, located beneath chromatophores, allow hogfish to detect changes in ambient light.
