Hogfish
Lachnolaimus maximus

Photo: Brian Gratwicke · CC BY 2.0
Knowing the Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) well helps you decide where and when to dive for it. It usually frequents reef and is found between 5 and 30 m, so it pays to adjust your search depth. It is wary, hard to get close to, which shapes how to approach it.
It's a demanding fish: it needs stealth and experience. In Apnaut you have its minimum legal size across 3 different zones. Always check your area's current regulations before taking it.
Behaviour: wary, hard to get close to.
Minimum legal size by zone
| Zone | Minimum size |
|---|---|
| Florida (Atlantic) | 14" (36 cm) |
| Florida (Gulf) | 14" (36 cm) |
| South Atlantic (Georgia to North Carolina) | 17" (43 cm) |
Where to catch it
Other names
Pez perro (es)
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum legal size for Hogfish?
It depends on the area. For example, Florida (Atlantic): 14" (36 cm); Florida (Gulf): 14" (36 cm); South Atlantic (Georgia to North Carolina): 17" (43 cm). See the full size-by-zone table above.
At what depth is Hogfish found?
Usually between 5 and 30 m, mostly over reef.
Is it hard to spearfish on a single breath?
Its difficulty is “hard”. It is also wary, hard to get close to. In Apnaut you can log your catches and their size.
Log it in Apnaut
Add this species to your collection, log your catches with their size and check the legal minimum for your area, all from your phone.
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