Harlequin Tusk - Choerodon fasciatus 'Philippines'

Harlequin Tusk - Philippines (Choerodon fasciatus)

The Harlequin Tusk is a spectacular and highly distinctive marine wrasse recognised for its bold blue, orange and white banding together with prominent blue-edged teeth. The Philippines form is particularly attractive, often showing strong contrast and vivid colouration. Powerful, intelligent and predatory, this species is best suited to spacious marine aquariums with robust tankmates and should not be considered safe with small ornamental invertebrates.

Common Name:
Harlequin Tusk - Philippines

Scientific Name (Latin):
Choerodon fasciatus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 25–30 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Harlequin Tusk occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is associated with coral reefs, rocky reef slopes and areas containing substantial structure and open swimming space.

The Philippines form originates from Philippine waters, where the species inhabits reef environments rich in crustaceans and other benthic prey.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive / Predatory

The Harlequin Tusk is generally confident and assertive but can coexist successfully with suitably sized, robust marine fish.

Small fish and delicate tankmates may be intimidated, while ornamental crustaceans are at significant risk of being eaten.

Diet:
Carnivore / Predator

The Harlequin Tusk naturally feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and other hard-bodied reef prey.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including chopped prawn, mussel, cockle, squid, krill and other suitably sized meaty marine foods.

Harder foods can also help encourage natural biting behaviour and provide useful wear for the teeth.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 500 litres

Its substantial adult size and active swimming behaviour mean the Harlequin Tusk requires generous horizontal swimming space alongside secure rockwork.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Harlequin Tusk is an active daytime swimmer that spends much of its time cruising around rockwork and investigating the aquarium for food.

Provide open swimming room together with caves, overhangs and securely positioned reef structure.

Once established, this species often becomes bold and highly responsive at feeding time.

A secure aquarium lid is recommended, particularly during acclimation.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Harlequin Tusk should not be considered reef safe with ornamental invertebrates.

Shrimp, crabs, snails and other mobile invertebrates may be hunted and consumed.

Although healthy corals are not usually the primary target, its predatory behaviour makes it unsuitable for conventional reef aquariums containing valuable clean-up crew animals.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a large, mature marine aquarium with strong filtration, good oxygenation and plenty of open swimming room.

Rockwork should be positioned securely to create caves and retreat areas without restricting movement.

Avoid keeping it with very small fish or ornamental crustaceans that may be viewed as prey.

Tankmates should be confident and robust enough to tolerate the Tusk's assertive behaviour.

A varied meaty diet is important for maintaining healthy body condition and strong colouration.

Care should be taken around the fish's prominent teeth during handling or aquarium maintenance.

Suitable for:
Intermediate to Experienced

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.