Animal Species:Harlequin Tuskfish, Choerodon fasciatus (Günther, 1867)

The Harlequin Tuskfish can be easily recognised by its striking colouration. The species is found on coral reefs of the Western Pacific.

Harlequin Tuskfish at Wheeler Reef

Harlequin Tuskfish at Wheeler Reef
Erik Schlögl © Erik Schlögl

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 in the Western Pacific. In Australia it is known from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland to northern New South Wales.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information.  Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Choerodon fasciatus

Distribution by collection data

Ozcam map of Harlequin Tuskfish specimens in the Australian Museum.

What does this mean?

Habitat

The species lives on coral reefs.

Classification

Species:
fasciatus
Genus:
Choerodon
Family:
Labridae
Order:
Perciformes
Class:
Actinopterygii
Subphylum:
Vertebrata
Phylum:
Chordata
Kingdom:
Animalia

What does this mean?

References

  1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
  2. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
  3. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.


Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:

Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Harlequin Tuskfish, Choerodon fasciatus, Labridae, orange, yellow, white, blue, black, red, 'normal fish', 10 cm - 30 cm, stripes or bands, coral reef, marine, adult,