please have a look at this pic

[christyf5]

Some fish create a mucous web that they sleep in, its a protective mechanism. This may not be because he has cooties. I know wrasses do this, don't know about hogfish but if you see this often I would suspect that they make them too

[Nihoa]

are you jerking my leg??? thats frigging cool!!! hogs are pretty much a wrasse so thats definitely plausible. seems there are surprises at every turn with saltwater tanks.

[High tide]

Yeah, definitely a mucous sac from a sleeping Labrid....isn't it cute!

[Nihoa]

thank you both very much for helping me solve this mystery! i was worried it was the brooklynella trying to take him.