This male giant hogfish was once a female

The giant hogfish is a type of wrasse. It feeds on mollusks, crabs, and sea urchins. This hogfish gives us a clear view of how it takes in sand from the ocean floor and sifts through it, devouring the animals that live within. The sand is spat out through the gill slits in the process.
This footage was captured off Little Cayman Island. The hogfish is usually reclusive, avoiding contact with humans. But this large hogfish seemingly has more curiosity than fear as it circles the scuba divers with interest as they watch it feeding in the sand. The long snout and rooting behaviour are what give the hogfish its name. The prominent black spot behind the pectoral fin tells us that this fish is a male, but this wasn't always the case.
Hogfish begin life as females, changing to males at approximately three years of age. Their typical life span is 11 years. The males will mate with and protect a harem of females in their territories.
Hogfish are considered excellent eating by sport fishermen. Conservation efforts have increased in order to protect them from being over-harvested.