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Harlequin Tuskfish

Choerodon fasciatus
A harlequin tuskfish closeup

Harlequin Tuskfish

Choerodon fasciatus
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

The harlequin tuskfish is white with eight to nine vertical orange stripes. The orange stripes have a blue edge. The rear end of adults darkens as they age. Its teeth are blue and sharp. The harlequin tuskfish can grow up to 12 inches in length.

Habitat

Seaward reefs to depths as deep as 35 m.

Diet

Mollusks, crustaceans, various worms and echinoderms.

Life History

The harlequin tuskfish is somewhat solitary and is known to be territorial.

The harlequin tuskfish is reported to be monogamous, meaning that when two fish pair up they exclusively mate with each other.

Adults usually live together in small groups called harems with one dominant male and several females. If something happens to this male, the largest female usually changes into a male. Spawning occurs when females release eggs into the water and males then fertilize them. The eggs drift in the currents and after they hatch the larvae continue to grow eventually settling in a reef.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

As a secondary consumer the harlequin tuskfish acts as a vital link in the food chain by controlling the prey they consume and providing a food source for larger predators. The harlequin tuskfish is prey for larger fish, moray eels and sharks.
Range
From East Africa including Madagascar and the Maldives to New Caledonia and Fiji, and from the Ryukyu Islands to Australia.
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not native to the Oregon Coast, however is found in the larger Pacific Ocean. It lives in the Aquarium as part of our Connected Coasts gallery.
Fun Facts
The harlequin tuskfish gets its name from its colorful body and tusk-like teeth.

Their eyes move independently of each other which helps them find food and watch out for predators.

Citations & Other Resources

  • A., Liu, M. and Y. Sadovy. 2010. Choerodon fasciatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.
  • Allen, G. R., and Western Australian Museum. 2009. Field guide to marine fishes of tropical Australia and South-East Asia (4th ed.). Western Australian Museum.
  • National Aquarium. N.d. Harlequin Tuskfish. National Aquarium. https://aqua.org/explore/animals/harlequin-tuskfish
  • Randall, J. E., G.R. Allen, and R.C. Steene. 1990. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of Hawaii Press.
  • The Dallas World Aquarium. N.d. Harlequin Tuskfish. The Dallas World Aquarium. https://dwazoo.com/animal/harlequin-tuskfish/
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About Oregon Coast Aquarium

Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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