Harlequin Tuskfish, Choerodon fasciatus (Günther, 1867)

Scientific name: Choerodon fasciatus
Harlequin Tuskfish, Choerodon fasciatus Click to enlarge image
A Harlequin Tuskfish at Heron Island, southern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, 19 Dec 2011. Image: Richard Vevers
© Richard Vevers

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Choerodon
    Species
    fasciatus
    Family
    Labridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 30 cm in length.

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

Identification

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.

Habitat

The species lives on coral reefs.

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.

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.