Harlequin Tuskfish – Choerodon fasciatus – Small Adult

Harlequin Tuskfish have alternating blue-trimmed white and orange stripes. The tail is white and the area around the base of the tail becomes darker blue to black on mature fish. The eye is red and the anal fin is dark red and blue. Its blue teeth are one of the trademark characteristics. Juveniles tend to be more brownish-tan in coloration but will develop into the brighter orange colored stripes as they mature. Juveniles and subadults also have a black eyespot at the front and rear of the dorsal fins, on the anal fin and on the pelvic fins. Fish collected from Australia are known and prized for brighter color.

Tuskfish are closely related to wrasses and behave in much the same manner, though most are relatively docile with equal or larger sized tankmates. They will prey on smaller fish and inverts such as starfish, urchins, shrimp and crabs. While they may overturn or damage a colony while searching for food, tuskfish do not actively eat corals.

Tuskfish are not normally picky eats and should be given a variety of meaty frozen or freeze-dried foods. Newly introduced fish may take some time to become acclimated and begin eating however; be sure that a more shy tuskfish is being given a chance to eat and is not being outcompeted by other tankmates. Tuskfish are solitary and territorial and should not be housed in groups.