ANIMAL SPECIES:Harlequin Tuskfish, Choerodon fasciatus (Gunther, 1867)
The Harlequin Tuskfish can be easily recognised by its striking colouration. Adults have eight blue-edged orange bands, three of which are on the head. The rear of the body darkens with age. The teeth are blue. Juveniles have brown banding on the body and ocelli in the dorsal and anal fins.
Identification
The Harlequin Tuskfish can be easily recognised by its striking colouration. Adults have eight blue-edged orange bands, three of which are on the head. The rear of the body darkens with age. The teeth are blue.
Juveniles have brown banding on the body and ocelli in the dorsal and anal fins.
Size range
The species grows to 30 cm in length.Distribution
It occurs on coral reefs of the Western Pacific.
In Australia it is known from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland to northern New South Wales.
Classification
- Species:
- fasciatus
- Genus:
- Choerodon
- Family:
- Labridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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A Harlequin Tuskfish at Wheeler Reef View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
A Harlequin Tuskfish at 'Davies Reef' View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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