Orange-dotted tuskfish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit reef flats and lagoon reefs, in areas with seagrass or mixed sand, rubble, and coral . They often form small aggregations . Juveniles occur inshore and usually form small groups in estuarine seagrass beds. Adults can be found in inner as well as outer reefs and are territorial . Feed mainly on hard-shelled prey including crustaceans, mollusks and sea urchins. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . In Hong Kong live fish markets .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12 - 13; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is distinguished by the following characters: body deep, its depth 2.4-2.7 times in standard length; dorsal profile of head convexly curved above eyes; anterior tip of head forming a broad angle with snout steeply inclined; jaws prominent; 4 strong canines situated anteriorly in each jaw with second pair in lower jaw directed laterally; an enlarged canine present on each side at rear of upper jaw; D XIII,7, continuous with spines and anterior soft rays of similar length; A III,9; pectoral fins with ii unbranched and 13-14 branched rays; pelvic fins not filamentous; caudal fin truncate to slightly rounded; lateral line continuous, smoothly curved, with 29 pored scales; scales barely reaching onto bases of dorsal and anal fins; scales in front of dorsal fin distinctly not extending forward to above eye; cheek and opercle scaly, scales on preopercle small, less than 1/4 the size of those on body; lower jaw without scales. Colour of body greenish to grey with underside of head, chest and lower portion of sides white or bluish; a wedge-shaped white band extending upward onto back behind pectoral fins; a large rectangular white saddle situated dorsally on caudal peduncle extending forward below rear of dorsal fin; head speckled with orange; pectoral-fin base covered by a large blue to black spot; dorsal fin greenish grey anteriorly and yellowish posteriorly; caudal fin greenish orange; anal fin yellow with orange markings; a narrow blue margin on dorsal and anal fins. Small individuals overall greenish grey with several whitish bars .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Orange-dotted tuskfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Orange-dotted tuskfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 25 m . Tropical; 15°N - 30°S West Pacific: Sri Lanka eastward to French Polynesia, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
hard-shelled prey including crustaceans, mollusks and sea urchins
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Orange-dotted tuskfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 134 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Orange-dotted tuskfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaerodon anchorago | Bloch | 1791 | Synonym |
| Choerodon weberi | Ogilby | 1911 | Synonym |
| Choerops maeander | Cartier | 1874 | Synonym |
| Choerops meleagris | Rüppell | 1852 | Synonym |
| Cossyphus macrodon | Bleeker | 1849 | Synonym |
| Crenilabrus leucozona | Bleeker | 1858 | Synonym |
| Labrus chlorodus | Gronow | 1854 | Synonym |
| Labrus macrodontus | Lacepède | 1801 | Synonym |
| Sparus anchorago | Bloch | 1791 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 27 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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