{"product_id":"harlequin-tusk","title":"Harlequin Tusk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Harlequin Tusk is one of the most distinctive saltwater fish available to marine aquarists, combining bold coloration with an equally memorable appearance. Adults display vivid bands of orange, blue, and white across a deep-bodied profile, while their bright blue teeth give the species its unmistakable “tusk” appearance. Despite its intimidating jaws, this wrasse is often less aggressive than its appearance suggests, though it remains a powerful predator of crustaceans and other small invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoerodon fasciatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to the western Pacific, including Australia and surrounding Indo-Pacific reef habitats. It is commonly associated with coral reefs and rocky areas where it searches for crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and other hard-shelled prey. In the aquarium, its striking pattern, confident swimming behavior, and substantial adult size make it an impressive centerpiece for large fish-only systems and carefully planned reef aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile generally safe with corals, the Harlequin Tusk should not be considered fully reef safe because ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, and other mobile invertebrates may be eaten. It is best suited to aquarists who can provide a spacious aquarium, robust filtration, and appropriately sized tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 125 gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Semi-aggressive \/ Predatory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Carnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e With Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Western Pacific, including Australia and surrounding Indo-Pacific regions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoerodon fasciatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a large, mature marine aquarium with substantial open swimming space and sturdy rockwork arranged into caves, ledges, and sheltered retreats. Harlequin Tusks are active swimmers but also appreciate secure areas where they can rest or retreat when startled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRock structures should be stable and securely positioned, as this powerful wrasse may investigate crevices and disturb loosely arranged décor while searching for food. A sand substrate can be used but is not required for sleeping, as the species generally shelters among rockwork rather than burying itself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrong biological filtration, good oxygenation, and efficient protein skimming are recommended. As a substantial carnivore, the Harlequin Tusk can contribute a significant bioload, particularly once fully grown. A secure aquarium cover is also advisable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Harlequin Tusk is a carnivore with strong jaws adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey. In the wild, its diet includes crustaceans, mollusks, and other benthic invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn captivity, offer a varied diet of meaty marine foods such as chopped shrimp, clam, mussel, squid, scallop, krill, mysis shrimp, and quality frozen carnivore blends. Larger specimens may also accept appropriately sized marine pellets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed once or twice daily in portions appropriate to the fish’s size and condition. Providing a varied diet helps support coloration, body condition, and long-term health.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHarlequin Tusks are generally semi-aggressive but are often relatively manageable when kept with appropriately sized tankmates. They can be confident and territorial, particularly during feeding or once established.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable companions include larger tangs, angelfish, triggerfish, puffers, groupers, and other robust marine fish that are too large to be viewed as prey. Avoid very small, timid, or delicate fish, especially those that may be intimidated during feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species is generally best kept singly unless housed in an exceptionally large aquarium with carefully managed social conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Harlequin Tusk is best classified as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ereef safe with caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt does not normally consume coral tissue and can often be maintained successfully in coral aquariums. However, ornamental shrimp, crabs, small snails, and other crustaceans or mollusks may be hunted and eaten.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClams and other vulnerable invertebrates may also be at risk, particularly as the fish matures. For this reason, it is better suited to fish-only systems or reef aquariums where mobile invertebrates are not a major part of the display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 75–80°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8–12 dKH \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain stable water quality with good oxygenation and consistent salinity. Stability is more important than targeting a single exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePredatory toward invertebrates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Shrimp, crabs, snails, and other mobile invertebrates may be eaten.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge adult size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Provide substantial swimming room and plan housing around its mature size.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePowerful feeding behavior:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Use sturdy rockwork and expect a significant bioload from a large carnivorous fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTankmate selection matters:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Avoid very small or timid fish that may be intimidated or viewed as prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCoral-safe, not invert-safe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e It is generally compatible with corals but should still be classified as reef safe with caution.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Standard \/ S (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":51152010576170,"sku":"WRAxHarS","price":233.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Standard \/ SM (2.6-3.5\")","offer_id":52810143564074,"sku":"WRAxHarSM","price":251.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ M (3.6-4.5\")","offer_id":52810143596842,"sku":"WRAxHarM","price":281.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ ML (4.6-5.5\")","offer_id":52810143629610,"sku":"WRAxHarML","price":314.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ L (5.6-6.5\")","offer_id":52810143662378,"sku":"WRAxHarL","price":368.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ XL (6.6-7.5\")","offer_id":52810143695146,"sku":"WRAxHarX","price":401.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Aussie \/ S (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":52810145235242,"sku":"WRAxAHarS","price":509.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Aussie \/ SM (2.6-3.5\")","offer_id":52810145268010,"sku":"WRAxAHarSM","price":539.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Aussie \/ M (3.6-4.5\")","offer_id":52810145300778,"sku":"WRAxAHarM","price":599.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Aussie \/ ML (4.6-5.5\")","offer_id":52810145333546,"sku":"WRAxAHarML","price":685.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Aussie \/ L (5.6-6.5\")","offer_id":52810145366314,"sku":"WRAxAHarL","price":599.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Aussie \/ XL (6.6-7.5\")","offer_id":52810145399082,"sku":"WRAxAHarX","price":839.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Aussie \/ XX (7.6-8.5\")","offer_id":52810145431850,"sku":"WRAxAHarXX","price":979.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Aussie \/ SH (8.6-10.5\")","offer_id":52810145464618,"sku":"WRAxAHarSH","price":1119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/HarlequinTuskAus.png?v=1790877552","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/harlequin-tusk","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}