Common name: Orange-dotted tuskfish
General information
The Harlequin Tuskfish, Choerodon anchorago, is a vibrant and striking species popular among aquarists for its unique appearance. It is characterized by its bold blue and orange stripes, with prominent canine teeth that are used for hunting invertebrates. This species is not commonly bred in captivity, making most available specimens wild-caught.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 300 liter (79 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 45 cm (1′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- Solo
- Reefsafe
- No
- Aggression
- Aggresive
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusTuskfishChoerodon
- SpeciesOrange-dotted tuskfishChoerodon anchorago (Bloch, 1791)
- SynonymsChaerodon anchorago (Bloch, 1791)Choerodon weberi Ogilby, 1911Choerops maeander Cartier, 1874Choerops meleagris Rüppell, 1852Cossyphus macrodon Bleeker, 1849Crenilabrus leucozona Bleeker, 1858Labrus chlorodus Gronow, 1854Labrus macrodontus Lacepède, 1801Sparus anchorago Bloch, 1791
Care
Harlequin Tuskfish require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding places. They are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and clams. It is important to note that they may prey on small invertebrates, so they are not suitable for reef tanks with shrimp, crabs, or small snails.
Reproduction
In the wild, Harlequin Tuskfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males as they mature. Breeding in home aquariums is rare, and little is known about their reproductive habits in captivity.
Habitat
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Harlequin Tuskfish are found on coral reefs and rocky outcrops. They prefer environments with plenty of crevices and caves for shelter. In the wild, they can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 25 meters.