| Choerodon fasciatus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Labridae |
| Genus: | Choerodon |
| Species: | C. fasciatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Choerodon fasciatus (Günther, 1867) |
|
Choerodon fasciatus is a Wrasse commonly known as the Harlequin Tusk. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade.
Contents |
It grows to a size of 30 cm (11 inches) in length. It is a brightly colored marine fish with shades of blue, green, and orange. It contains sharp blue teeth. Those specimens found in Australia generally have better coloration.
The Harlequin Tusk is a carnivore, eating mostly benthic invertebrates such as echinoderms, crustaceans, molluscs, and worms. In captivity, they will also accept frozen and meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis, and shellfish.
It is found in the Indo-west Pacific from the Red Sea to Australia.
The Harlequin Tusk is a moderately difficult fish to maintain in captivity. Juveniles can be shy and easily bullied by aggressive tankmates. Adults will be quite aggressive. At a minimum, they should be kept in a 120 gallon tank for a single specimen. It is a semi-aggressive fish and ideal tankmates would include Angels, Tangs, and small Triggers but it is will not tolerate its own kind so only one specimen per tank. They are not reef-safe. Although they will typically not nip at corals or sessile invertebrates, they will attack and consume crabs, hermit crabs, snails, and shrimp.
A reef temperature of 78F-80F is ideal for maintaining the Harlequin Tusk.