Harlequin Tuskfish (Captive Bred 4″+)

Also known as Captive-Bred Harlequin Tusk, CB Tuskfish

The Captive-Bred Harlequin Tuskfish represents the pinnacle of this species for home aquariums, combining the stunning beauty of wild specimens with dramatically superior hardiness, disease resistance, and adaptation to aquarium life. Captive-bred specimens at 4″+ are already well-established juveniles, past the most vulnerable stages, and trained on prepared foods from birth. While commanding premium prices, captive-bred Tusks are the gold standard and represent the best possible choice for long-term success.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Choerodon fasciatus 
• Common Names: Captive-Bred Harlequin Tusk, CB Tusk, Aquacultured Tuskfish
• Adult Size: Up to 10-12 inches
• Lifespan: 15-20+ years with proper care (potentially longer than wild specimens)
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial
• Reef Compatibility: Not reef safe; will consume invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum
• Experience Level: Intermediate; easier than wild specimens due to hardiness

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires large tank with substantial open swimming space and extensive rockwork with caves. Provide a deep sand bed (2-3 inches) for burying behavior. Strong water flow was appreciated. Secure rockwork firmly.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Good to excellent water quality (more tolerant than wild specimens)

Equipment Recommendations:

• High-capacity filtration system
• Large protein skimmer
• Strong water circulation
• Secure, tight-fitting lid (excellent jumper)
• Sand substrate

Captive-bred specimens are more adaptable to various conditions than wild fish.

Diet & Feeding

Captive-Bred Harlequin Tusks are carnivores already trained on prepared foods.

Recommended foods include:

• Primary: Frozen krill, frozen mysis shrimp, frozen squid, marine pellets
• Hard-shelled foods: Snails, small crabs, shrimp with shells, mussels (ESSENTIAL)
• Variety: Chopped scallops, chopped fish, quality pellets
• Advantage: Already trained on prepared foods from birth

Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily

Special Note: Captive-bred advantage: Already accepting all prepared foods; no acclimation feeding challenges. Still requires hard-shelled foods for tooth maintenance. Excellent appetite from day one.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Best with other large, semi-aggressive fish
• Territorial: Can be aggressive toward other wrasses
• Predatory: Will eat small fish and invertebrates
• Reef Safety: Will consume all crustaceans

Notes & Considerations

• CAPTIVE-BRED ADVANTAGES: Dramatically superior to wild specimens in every way.
• Born and raised in aquarium conditions; perfectly adapted to captive life.
• No collection stress, shipping trauma, or decompression issues.
• Already trained on all prepared foods from birth; no feeding challenges.
• Far more disease-resistant than wild specimens.
• No parasites or pathogens from wild collection.
• More confident and less shy than wild fish; bolder personality from start.
• Supports sustainable aquaculture: No impact on wild populations.
• Ethical choice that promotes conservation.
• Beautiful coloration: vibrant orange-red and white bands with blue teeth.
• Coloration quality rivals or exceeds best Australian specimens.
• 4″+ size means past the most vulnerable juvenile stage.
• Already well-established; hearty eaters with a proven track record.
• Larger size easier to introduce to established tanks.
• Lower long-term risk than wild specimens despite higher initial cost.
• Extremely intelligent and personable; bonds strongly with the owner.
• More interactive than wild specimens due to confidence.
• Can be hand-trained easily; no fear of humans.
• Blue teeth grow continuously; hard-shelled foods are essential.
• Will eat small fish and all invertebrates.
• May rearrange rockwork and decorations.
• Not suitable for reef aquariums with ornamental invertebrates.
• Can be territorial toward other wrasses.
• Excellent jumper: Secure lid absolutely mandatory.
• May bury in sand when sleeping or stressed.
• Very active swimmer; patrols the entire tank confidently.
• Hardy and disease-resistant; one of the easiest large wrasses when captive-bred.
• Can live 15-20+ years; potentially longer than wild specimens.
• Limited availability from reputable breeders.
• High demand; often sold before reaching the market.
• Represents best possible Harlequin Tusk acquisition.
• Investment-grade fish with highest success potential.
• Spectacular centerpiece for large fish-only systems.

Why Choose a Quarantined Harlequin Tuskfish (Captive Bred 4″+)?

Purchasing a quarantined captive-bred specimen from us means you’re starting with the absolute best possible Harlequin Tusk. Captive-bred fish are already exponentially hardier than wild specimens, and our quarantine process provides additional assurance. All fish are observed to confirm continued excellent health, perfect feeding response, and optimal condition before sale. At 4″+, these are established juveniles past the vulnerable stage. Given the premium investment ($400-$1,000+), our quarantine provides peace of mind and documentation of health. Captive-bred Tusks represent the gold standard—superior hardiness, sustainability, and the highest probability of long-term success. A secure lid is absolutely mandatory.