How big do Harlequins get?

Where do harlequin tuskfish come from?

The harlequins coming from the Philippines are caught using questionable practices whereas in Australia the fish have a better shipping and survival record. If all that checks out, assuming you can afford the price tag and you have a big enough saltwater aquarium with the appropriate tank mates you may find yourself owning a Harlequin Tuskfish.

What is the difference between Choerodon fasciatus and harlequin tuskfish?

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.

What is a tuskfish?

They are characterized by their sharp blue, tusk-like teeth and distinctive body colorations. Tuskfish are also one of the hardier species of saltwater aquarium fish and acclimatize well to life in captivity. Most specimens available for purchase in the aquarium trade come from Australia and the Philippines and are fairly expensive.

Where does the harlequin tuskfish live?

Origin / Habitat : Reefs of the Western Pacific, Indonesia, the Philippines and near Queensland, Australia. Harlequin Tuskfish 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.

Is the harlequin tuskfish sexually dichromatic?

Unlike many wrasses, the Harlequin Tuskfish is not sexually dichromatic or dimorphic. In other words, you can’t easily distinguish males from females based upon external characteristics. It’s best to purchase and maintain single specimens in the aquarium. The Harlequin Tuskfish is a hardy and undemanding fish in captivity.

What temperature do harlequin tuskfish eat?

Specific gravity between 1.023 and 1.025 at a temperature between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit will suit the tuskfish fine. Although the Harlequin Tuskfish is an indiscriminate eater, its diet should consist primarily of meaty seafood.

What is a harlequin tuskfish?

The Harlequin Tuskfish is part of the large family of wrasses, Labridae. It belongs to the genus Choerodon, but older references may still have it listed as Lienardella fasciatus, which is incorrect. The genus Choerodon contains 25 species, but most get too large or simply aren’t attractive enough to collect for the aquarium trade.

How big does a Harlequin Tusk need to be?

A Harlequin Tusk always has room for one more bite of food! Specimens between three and five inches are the ideal size. Tusks less than two-inches in length are fragile. They have a high metabolism and insufficient reserves of fat to withstand a period of prolonged starvation.

Is Choerodon fasciatus the perfect specimen for a fish-only marine aquarium?

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. A tuskfish fan describes his experiences with Choerodon fasciatus, which may just be the perfect specimen for the fish-only marine aquarium.

What does Tusk taste like?

Tusk is an oily and succulent fish with a mild sweet taste. The tusk’s moistness and tenderness also make it an excellent choice for use in any kind of fish pie. Tusk is a lean fish and is especially rich in protein, vitamin B12 and selenium.

What is tusk fish?

Tusk is a lean fish and is especially rich in protein, vitamin B12 and selenium. The tusk ( Brosme brosme) is part of the ling family. It is long and slender, but a little rounder than other ling fish. It can grow up to 120 cm long but is usually around 40-90 cm when caught.

What kind of fish is a cusk?

The cusk or tusk ( Brosme brosme) is a North Atlantic cod -like fish in the ling family Lotidae. It is the only species in the genus Brosme. Other common names include torsk, European cusk, and brosmius.

Do Harlequin Tusk eat shrimp?

The Harlequin Tusk makes a great addition to the fish-only marine aquarium or a full-blown reef aquarium. They generally ignore sessile invertebrates, but large specimens are capable of eating small fish, shrimp and crabs. They usually ignore resident shrimp and small fish, but may misinterpret new additions to the aquarium as food.

What size aquarium does a harlequin tuskfish need?

The Harlequin Tuskfish is a hardy and undemanding fish in captivity. After an initial period of acclimation, they become quite bold, but never stray too far from the protection of the reef. These are long-lived fish that grow quickly in captivity, so the minimum recommended aquarium is at least 36 inches in length and 60 gallons in volume.

Are harlequin tuskfish aggressive?

Despite its ferocious appearance, the Harlequin Tuskfish is relatively mild- mannered. They normally ignore tankmates, but may be harassed by larger wrasses, angelfish and triggerfish. I suggest adding the tuskfish first, if your goal is to maintain an aquarium of larger, aggressive fish.

Why are Tusks so fragile?

Tusks less than two-inches in length are fragile. They have a high metabolism and insufficient reserves of fat to withstand a period of prolonged starvation. Tusks larger than five inches don’t ship as well and often have a harder time acclimating to captivity.

What is the best temperature for harlequin tuskfish?

Harlequin Tuskfish have no special requirements as far as water quality and lighting, but like most reef fish, they do best at natural reef parameters. Specific gravity between 1.023 and 1.025 at a temperature between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit will suit the tuskfish fine.

How did the harlequin tuskfish get its 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.

How big do harlequin tuskfish get?

Harlequin tuskfish are an extremely fast growing species of fish and can often grow up to 8-10 inches in length in captivity.

Are harlequin tuskfish hermaphrodites?

Harlequin tuskfish are an extremely fast growing species of fish and can often grow up to 8-10 inches in length in captivity. Harlequin tuskfish are carnivores and should be fed on a meaty diet of krill, shrimp, squid and fish. Harlequin tuskfish are protogenous hermaphrodites and can change sex over the course of their lives.