Bodianus darwini is a species of ray-finned fish native to the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean.

Its range includes the Galápagos Islands and on the coast of South America, extends from Ecuador southward through Peru to northern Chile.

[1] The strong sharp teeth provide evidence of its diet as a benthic predator, and this is confirmed by the stomach contents which include fragments of shells and other coarse calcareous debris as well as detritus.

[5] Other large carnivorous fish dwelling in the kelp forest include the Peruvian morwong (Cheilodactylus variegatus), the Chilean sandperch Pinguipes chilensis, the sea chub Graus nigra, and the cabrilla (Sebastes oculatus).

[6] These fish are preyed on by the marine otter (Lutra felina) and the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens).