Hog Snapper ID...HELP!

[scuba-raru]

Hey there, I need your help ID'ing this fish. The LFS has it labeled as a "Red Hog Snapper" (of course they had NO info on scientific name, origin or anything else to go on....typical!) It's pretty amazing, he changes color from white to red constantly, truly stunning.
I've been searching the interwebz and have not been able to ID. It looks like could be a hogfish (although like none I've ever seen) or perhaps a Hamlet or Hind species. Can you guys put your super fish powers to work and help a brotha out? Thanks in advance,
R.

 

[mx#28]

It's a wrasse. I'll say Lachnolaimus maximus...

 

[scuba-raru]

Thanks for the reply, I thought that could be the case but I found this pic of a juvenile L.Maxiumus (see below) and it doesnt look like this one. This one has red bulging eyes. Still on the search...

 

[scuba-raru]

BINGO!!! Found it! Its a Cheilinus oxycephalus (aka - Long Jaw Wrasse, snooty wrasse)

 

[1guydude]

just saw one of those today at my LFS...i was their for food and some new filters though so i didnt purchase anything else....proud of myself! I may go back though cuz they had some nice brain coral pieces.

 

[mx#28]

Quote:
Originally Posted by scuba-Raru http:///t/388885/hog-snapper-id-help#post_3432778
BINGO!!! Found it! Its a Cheilinus oxycephalus (aka - Long Jaw Wrasse, snooty wrasse)
Good work! What a cool fish...