The Harlequin Tusk Wrasse originates from the reefs of the Indian Ocean and Australia. Indian Ocean Tusks have orange stripes with white margins with a hint of blue adjacent to the tail of the fish. Australian Tusks have orange stripes with vivid blue margins starting from the pectoral fin and run along the fishes back to their tail. Both of these beautiful color forms have bright blue teeth or tusks used to crunch invertebrates. They are a wonderful fish for a FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) aquarium. These fish are typically shy when at a small size, but will in time gain personality and confidence as they mature. A 570L or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding places is an ideal environment, and this fish will share space well with other moderately aggressive and active fish such as Angels, Tangs, and smaller Triggers. Keep only one specimen per tank. Be aware that although they will not bother corals, they will eat any small crustaceans such as snails or crabs.
The Harlequin Tusk Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Color Form: Blue, Orange
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: sg 1.020-1.025, 23-26° C, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 26cm
Family: Labridae
Minimum Tank Size: 570L
