Indo Harlequin Tusk Wrasse

[gar732]

I've always loved this fish and I have the opportunity to pick up a small one locally. I've read that they are reef safe but will munch on inverts. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with them that might convince me to pick it up:bigsmile:. I have a mixed reef with a hippo tang, an ocellaris clown, a bangii cardinal, and (here's where I think I'll have a problem) a yashia goby/pistol shrimp combo. The goby and shrimp rarely stray more than a couple inches away from their hole. Please let me know what you think. Thanks.

 

[OMG Corals]

They will eat all inverts and can eat small fish. IMO not a good reef fish unless you have stuff you don't care if it eats.

 

[gar732]

I know its not suggested, just wondering if some people have had good luck. Does anyone think the goby and pistol shrimp stand a chance given that they don't really wander outside of there den?

 

[Pizzapro83]

Not a good idea. Up to you. Do you really want to take the chance?

 

[gar732]

No, I guess you're right. The kids love that goby and shrimp. I've wanted a tuskfish since the first time I saw it, I guess I was just looking for a way. Maybe I can convince the wife to let me set up another tank for it.

 

[jordan3548]

I would wait and get one from Australia much better looking plus they are caught in humane ways. I've heard from several different people that the indos are caught using cyanide as well as other chemicals and survival rate is lower. Thats just what Ive been told maybe other can chime in

 

[kingfisherfleshy]

I got an indo...(didnt have any choice with my wholesaler) and he is already one of my favorite fish. Total pig, has been eating well for a couple of months now. Took food from my hand within minutes of being in the tank. Colors are good enough for me.

I have him in a 125g softie tank...with a bunch of other large preds. (They are all babies now)

Tank size is one thing you will want to watch. These guys are thick, and they will grow to around a foot. (8" minimum). As wrasses, they may or may not burrow in the substrate as well. Deep sand, and a large tank. Even in my six foot tank I think I will feel bad about having him in there sooner or later.

 

[secretreefer]

got an aussie here, mine ate my banded prawns and will eat small fish. even see him carrying around a hermit sometimes (i think they crush the shell and eat it) agree with kingfisherfleshy you want at least a 6 foot tank. i got dsb but my harlequin doesn't bury himself. he just conveniently finds a nice crevice or crashes out in a cave. even though he's the biggest in the tank he doesn't hassle anyone. he just does his own thing.

 

[gar732]

I figured a 125 would be enough. I have a 75 now but I'm planning on setting up a 125 soon hopefully. After everyone's replies I've given up on it. It was an opportunity to pick one up at a good price so it made me think. I've moved on to another of my favorites, Flame Wrasses! One day I'll pick up a harlequin tusk when I have a tank thats better suited for him. Thanks for all the replies guys!

 

[kingfisherfleshy]

Great fish, you will love him when the time comes. Mine (Chuck) is named after charles woodson due to his ability to take food straight out of other fishes mouths. GO PACK GO! :D