We generated the first molecular phylogenetic hypothesis of m>Bodianusm> hogfishes relationships using four genes.

m>Bodianusm> is not monophyletic without the inclusion of m>Semicossyphusm> and m>Clepticusm>.

Molecular clock analyses show an early Miocene origin of this group.

m>Bodianusm> clade originated in Indo-western and South-western Pacific.

Hogfishes repeatedly dispersed in other oceanic basins during their history.