{"product_id":"harlequin-tusk-aussie-choerodon-fasciatus","title":"Harlequin Tusk - Aussie","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Australian Harlequin Tusk, \u003cem\u003eChoerodon fasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e, is a spectacular saltwater fish prized for its exceptionally bold coloration and unmistakable electric-blue teeth. Australian specimens are especially desirable for their strong blue edging around the alternating orange-red, white, and dark vertical bands, often producing a more intensely contrasted appearance than other geographic forms. As the fish matures, the rear portion of the body becomes darker and the blue accents become increasingly striking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to coral reefs along eastern Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef, this powerful wrasse naturally searches reef structure for crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and other hard-shelled prey. Although its impressive tusks give it a formidable appearance, it is generally more manageable with fish tankmates than many similarly sized predators. Its vivid coloration, confident personality, and substantial adult presence make it an exceptional centerpiece for large fish-only aquariums and carefully planned reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 125 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef and eastern Queensland\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eChoerodon fasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Australian Harlequin Tusk requires a spacious marine aquarium with substantial open swimming room and sturdy rockwork. Adults can reach approximately 12 inches, making a 125-gallon or larger aquarium appropriate for long-term housing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide caves, overhangs, and large crevices where the fish can retreat when resting or startled. Newly introduced specimens may initially remain close to shelter before becoming considerably more confident and visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeave generous open areas around the aquascape for swimming and feeding. A specialized sand bed is not required, although the fish may investigate or disturb substrate while searching for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate water movement, strong oxygenation, efficient filtration, and stable water quality are ideal. A secure aquarium cover is recommended because startled wrasses are capable of jumping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Harlequin Tusk is a carnivore equipped with powerful jaws and prominent blue canine teeth adapted for handling hard-shelled invertebrate prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied diet including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, squid, krill, and other high-quality marine seafood. Quality carnivore pellets and frozen marine blends can also be incorporated once readily accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppropriately sized shell-on shrimp, clam, and mussel provide useful enrichment and allow the fish to use its teeth naturally while feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed once or twice daily, adjusting portions according to the fish's size, body condition, and overall aquarium stocking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Australian Harlequin Tusk is semi-aggressive but is generally compatible with robust, appropriately sized marine fish. Once established, adults tend to become confident feeders and may dominate more timid species at mealtime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include tangs, larger angelfish, rabbitfish, robust wrasses, compatible triggerfish, and other substantial marine community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery small fish and timid species are less appropriate companions, especially with a mature specimen. Keeping more than one Harlequin Tusk in a typical home aquarium is not recommended because territorial behavior can develop between similar fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Harlequin Tusk is \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe with caution\u003c\/strong\u003e. Healthy corals are generally not targeted, making the species suitable for many coral-dominated displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrnamental invertebrates are at significant risk. Shrimp, crabs, hermit crabs, snails, worms, small starfish, and other crustaceans or mollusks may be hunted and eaten. The risk generally increases as the fish grows and its jaws become more powerful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor reef aquariums, this species is best suited to systems where coral compatibility is the primary concern and the potential loss of cleanup-crew animals or ornamental invertebrates is acceptable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 74–78°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable conditions are more important than chasing exact numbers. Maintain consistent salinity and temperature along with strong oxygenation, dependable filtration, and regular aquarium maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAustralian coloration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Australian specimens are particularly noted for vivid blue edging around the body bands and intense overall contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLarge adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eChoerodon fasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e can reach approximately 12 inches and requires substantial permanent swimming room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInvertebrate predator:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shrimp, crabs, snails, mollusks, worms, and other ornamental invertebrates may become prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePowerful blue teeth:\u003c\/strong\u003e The characteristic tusk-like teeth are functional feeding tools used for crushing and manipulating hard-shelled prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncreasing confidence:\u003c\/strong\u003e Newly introduced specimens may be shy, but established adults typically become bold, active aquarium residents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52414677254442,"sku":"WRASSExHarleAusS","price":494.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52414677287210,"sku":"WRASSExHarleAusSM","price":509.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":52414677319978,"sku":"WRASSExHarleAusM","price":533.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52414677352746,"sku":"WRASSExHarleAusML","price":599.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52414677385514,"sku":"WRASSExHarleAusL","price":587.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52414677418282,"sku":"WRASSExHarleAusX","price":685.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XX","offer_id":52414677451050,"sku":"WRASSExHarleAusXX","price":764.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH","offer_id":52414677483818,"sku":"WRASSExHarleAusSH","price":881.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/HarlequinTuskAus.png?v=1787943049","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/harlequin-tusk-aussie-choerodon-fasciatus","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}