Harlequin tuskfish
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit seaward reefs . Feed on mollusks, crustaceans, various worms, and echinoderms. Solitary and territorial species . Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding . Monogamous and always in home-ranging pairs, that is they do not defend an exclusive territory . Maximum depth reported from Ref. 27115.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10. Body with 7 or 8 pairs of alternating prominent red, blue, white and blackish bands. Pectoral fins with ii unbranched and 14 branched rays. Predorsal scales approximately 10 to 14, reaching forward in advance of posterior extent of orbit on dorsal midline of head. (Ref 9823): fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Harlequin tuskfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 5 - 35 m , usually 5 - 35 m . Subtropical; 25°C - 28°C
🌿 Ecology
mollusks, crustaceans, various worms, and echinoderms
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Harlequin 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 | 19.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 212 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Harlequin tuskfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choerodon balarensis | Herre | 1950 | Synonym |
| Choerodon balerensis | Herre | 1950 | Synonym |
| Lepidaplois mirabilis | Snyder | 1908 | Synonym |
| Lepidoplois mirabilis | Snyder | 1908 | Synonym |
| Lienardella fasciata | Günther | 1867 | Synonym |
| Xiphocheilus fasciatus | Günther | 1867 | Synonym |
| Xiphochilus fasciatus | Günther | 1867 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Harlequin tuskfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 13 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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