Common name: ringed wrasse
General information
The Harlequin Tuskfish, Hologymnosus doliatus, is a vibrant and striking species known for its bold coloration and prominent tusk-like teeth. It is a member of the wrasse family, Labridae, and is popular among aquarists for its unique appearance and personality. The species is characterized by its blue and orange stripes, with purple accents and large canine teeth that are visible even when its mouth is closed.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 400 liter (110 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
- 30 cm (1′)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs a varied diet and space to swim.
- Diet
- Omnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp, and algae.
- Social
- Solo Can be aggressive, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals and clams.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Territorial, especially with conspecifics.
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyWrassesLabridae
- GenusWrasseHologymnosus
- Speciesringed wrasseHologymnosus doliatus (Lacepède, 1801)
- SynonymsHologymnos doliatus (Lacepède, 1801)Hologymnosus fasciatus Lacépède, 1801Hologymnous doliatus (Lacepède, 1801)Hologymnus doliatus (Lacepède, 1801)Julis annulatus Valenciennes in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1839Julis oxyrhynchos Bleeker, 1857Julis rosea Quoy & Gaimard, 1834Labrus doliatus Lacepède, 1801
Care
Harlequin Tuskfish require a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places and room to swim. They are carnivorous and need a diet consisting of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and clams. It's important to note that they may prey on small invertebrates and are not considered reef-safe. They are generally hardy but should be kept in a well-maintained tank with stable water conditions.
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 captivity is rare, and little is known about their reproductive habits in home aquariums.
Habitat
Harlequin Tuskfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops, often at depths ranging from 2 to 40 meters. They are solitary or found in small groups and are known to be territorial.