The Harlequin Tusk Wrasse
Wrasse
The wrasses are a family, Labridae, of marine fish, many of which are brightly colored. The family is large and diverse, with over 600 species in 81 genera, which are divided into 9 subgroups or tribes. They are typically small fish, most of them less than 20 cm long, although the largest, the hu…
What do Harlequin Tusk fish eat?
Ample swimming room is also necessary as most Wrasses are quite active during the day. Their diet should consist of meaty foods such as Mysis Shrimp, Mussels, Clams and live small fish or shrimp if available. Generally peaceful the Harlequin Tusk will leave most similar sized fish alone.
How many Harlequin Tusk wrasse should I keep?
Keep only one specimen per tank. Although they will not bother corals, they will eat any small crustacean such as snails or crabs. The Harlequin Tusk Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Where to buy Australian Harlequin Tusk?
I received my Australian Harlequin Tusk (large size) about a month ago. I typically purchase my fish through Divers Den but could not resist getting this fish from Live Aquaria's California facility when it finally became available. This fish is fantastic for several reasons.
What size tank does a Harlequin Tusk need?
Minimum Tank Size: 100 Gallons Native to the waters off Australia and the Indo-pacific, the Harlequin Tusk is one of the most colorful and unique fish in the hobby today. This moderately sized member of the Wrasse family grows to between 8-10 inches and requires live rock, caves and crevices where it can hide.
What does a Harlequin Tusk eat?
The harlequin tuskfish is a carnivore, eating mostly benthic invertebrates such as echinoderms, crustaceans, molluscs, and worms.
How do I get my Harlequin Tusk to eat?
Sometimes he just need to see other fish eating to get him to bite and he will start eating again. Try feeding small amount of his favorite food throughout the day.
What does a tusk fish eat?
Offshore Venus tuskfish like to feed on or around the turn of the tide. These quality fish can be readily caught all year round and will happily devour offerings of squid, mullet, pillies and other flesh baits. Octopus and crabs also work well on Tuskies.
How fast do Harlequin tusks grow?
SIZE MATTERS. You Harlequin Tuskfish will grow about 1/2 an inch in about 6-months. One of the most striking things about this fish is how solid he is. He is noticeably chunkier than other big fish like Tang.
Will Harlequin Tusk eat small fish?
They will readily devour a cleaning crew. In time star fish, urchins, crabs, snails and small fish will all be eaten. However, the Harlequin Tusk will leave most sessile invertebrates alone, and they will not bother corals.
Is Harlequin Tusk Hardy?
Hardy and Fashionable: The Harlequin Tuskfish. As if its incredible, vibrant coloration and otherworldly blue tusk-like teeth weren't enough, this unique-looking wrasse is actually hardy and acclimates well to aquarium life.
How big do Harlequin tusks get?
Size: Adults are between 8-12 inches (20-30 cm). Behavior: Despite their looks, they are somewhat solitary and shy but can be aggressive and territorial if needed, particularly when males are protecting their harems from other males. Adults will usually live together in small groups in caves or sloping reef areas.
How big does a tusk fish have to be?
Size and age Grow to 70cm and weigh up to 8kg.
Is tusk fish edible?
On The Plate Venus tusk fish are not only one of the prettiest species in the ocean, but are also a fantastic table fish. Furthermore the firm white flesh easily flakes away from the bones and has delicous sweet flavour.
Is Tusk a fish?
The tusk is a demersal fish that prefers hard and rocky sea floors, preying on crustaceans and other soft bodied invertebrates and molluscs. They can be found as deep as 1500 metres below the ocean surface but will usually keep to depths of 200-500 metres.
Do groupers grow fast?
Panther groupers rapidly grow from 3 inches (7.6cm) as juveniles to 27 inches (68.6cm) as adults, quickly expanding beyond their tanks.
What can I feed my Harlequin shrimp?
Harlequin shrimp only eat starfish (and in times of absolute desperation, sea urchins). Specifically, they go after the tube feet of starfish. There is NO alternative food source you can easily entice them with. A pair of harlequins goes on the hunt for starfish.
Are Harlequin shrimp hard to keep?
These crustaceans are easy to care for if you are prepared to put up with their specific feeding habits. In return, you'll get to watch some very interesting behaviors. If you're looking to learn more about Harlequin Shrimp, then you've come to the right place.
How many asterina starfish can a harlequin shrimp eat?
Fish heads unite! Well, my harlequins can devour a 4+" CC star in about 3-4 weeks.
Do Harlequin shrimp eat the whole starfish?
Valuable Member. My harlequin eats the whole starfish, he leaves some of the hardened material inside the starfish but no flesh left.
Where can I find harlequin tuskfish?
Most harlequin tuskfish available to the marine aquarium industry have been collected from either Australia or the Philippines. Due to collection and shipping techniques, specimens available from Australia tend to fare much better in the confines of an aquarium.
How do Harlequin tuskfish get their name?
Harlequin tuskfish get their common name from their harlequin-like colors and large, protruding teeth. The four front teeth have the appearance of small tusks, which will turn dark blue as the fish matures. It uses these teeth to puncture and tear the exoskeletons of the invertebrates it preys upon.
Why introduce tuskfish before others?
Make sure to introduce the tuskfish before the others to avoid territorial squabbles and bullying. C. fasciatus tends to not be as aggressive as other species and may not cope well with the constant harassing of an angry tang or angelfish that feels its territory is being invaded.
Why do tuskfish have black spots on their fins?
They also have black spots on their fins called eyespots for deterring would-be predators from the vital parts of the young fish. Harlequin tuskfish have large orbital eyes that move independently from one another, allowing the fish to completely assess their environment.
How many tuskfish can you have in an aquarium?
For this reason, it is best to only have one tuskfish per aquarium. In order to keep a group, it is best to acquire at least a half dozen or so specimens at a very small size and house them in an extremely large tank. Tuskfish that are 4 inches or larger may have already changed to a male.
How long can a Harlequin live in an aquarium?
After the initial acclimation process, harlequins make a hardy addition to any marine aquarium. With proper care, C. fasciatus can live in excess of 10 years. An individual adult specimen should be kept in an aquarium no smaller than 75 gallons, but larger is always better and recommended.
Do Harlequin tuskfish reproduce?
Reproduction. Information regarding reproductive habits of this species in the wild, let alone in the aquarium, is minimal. Harlequin tuskfish are protogynous hermaphrodites; all fry start life as females and are capable of changing their sex to a male.
What is the diet of a Harlequin?
Diet / Foods : Mostly carnivorous, the Harlequin will do well with a varied diet in captivity. Occasional fresh meaty seafood fare from the market such as clams and small pieces of shrimp can be offered.
Where do Harlequin tuskfish come from?
Harlequin Tuskfish. The Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon fasciatus) is an interesting wrasse that is usually shipped out of the Philippines or Australia. If you can (and if they know) ask your pet store where they get their Harlequin Tuskfish from. If they say the Philippines you may want to take a pass on it.
Where do tuskfish live?
Origin / Habitat : Reefs of the Western Pacific, Indonesia, the Philippines and near Queensland, Australia. Also the Palau Islands. Temperament / Behavior : Does well with similar sized species but can be territorial with other tuskfish. May eat smaller fish and invertebrates as it gets larger.
Do Harlequin Tuskfish eat carnivores?
Speaking of fish food, the Harlequin Tuskfish is mostly carnivorous but does go after most foods presented to them. Try to give them a healthy, fresh and balanced diet.
What do tusk wrasses eat?
The Harlequin Tusk Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food. Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 2-1/2" ...
Why is the tusk fish so beautiful?
First, it is extremely beautiful particularly the Australian type because of the blue margins that compliment the bright orange tiger stripes. Second, the tusk is a very active swimmers.
What color are tusks?
Indian Ocean Tusks have orange stripes with white margins and a hint of blue adjacent to the tail of the fish. Australian Tusks have orange stripes with vivid blue margins starting from the pectoral fin, along the fishes back to their tail. Both of these beautiful color forms have bright blue teeth or tusks used to crunch invertebrates.
How many fish can you keep in a 125 gallon aquarium?
A 125 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding places and moderately aggressive, active fish such as Angels, Tangs, and smaller Triggers is an acceptable environment. Keep only one specimen per tank. Although they will not bother corals, they will eat any small crustacean such as snails or crabs.
Tuskfish For The Ideal Tank
Background
- Appearance Choerodon fasciatus is a moderately sized member of the wrasse family Labridae, attaining an adult size between 8 to 12 inches. Harlequin tuskfish get their common name from their harlequin-like colors and large, protruding teeth. The four front teeth have the appearance of small tusks, which will turn dark blue as the fish matures. It uses these teeth to puncture and tea…
Reproduction
- Information regarding reproductive habits of this species in the wild, let alone in the aquarium, is minimal. Harlequin tuskfish are protogynous hermaphrodites; all fry start life as females and are capable of changing their sex to a male. Research suggests that they form harems and, as a rule, the largest female in a harem will develop into a male as it approaches maturity or if the need fo…
Aquarium Conditions
- After the initial acclimation process, harlequins make a hardy addition to any marine aquarium. With proper care, C. fasciatus can live in excess of 10 years. An individual adult specimen should be kept in an aquarium no smaller than 75 gallons, but larger is always better and recommended. If you want to keep several specimens, you will need a much larger aquarium. Tuskfish are best …
Feeding
- C. fasciatus will thrive on a diet that is well varied. The bulk of the diet should consist of frozen foods. The majority of tuskfish that have been collected from Australia acclimate to captivity and will start feeding with little effort. Nonetheless, there are always exceptions. If you happen to get a finicky feeder, many harlequin tuskfish canno...
Final Thoughts
- Keeping beautiful, healthy marine fish in the home aquarium is the goal of every hobbyist. As advances are made in technology and husbandry, more and more people are entering the marine aquarium hobby each day. It should be no surprise that upon seeing a harlequin tuskfish for the first time, one will be captivated by its brilliant colors and almost comical attributes. Combine th…