Aussie tusk in reef

[Just Jim]

I've been waffling on my last big fish to add. I'm willing to concede snails and possible small fish to the tusk, but how about corals or large clams? Anyone have any nipping or issues with a well fed tusk?

 

[Washout]

I don't have one myself, but I've done a lot of research on these because I thought of adding one (I've since changed my mind). Corals for the most part would be safe, it will definitely eat clams.

 

[Just Jim]

I haven't seen anyone post that they eat large clams. Just steamed clams on halfshell

 

[Dmorty217]

Shrimps and snails would be of most concern depending on the size tusk you get

 

[anbosu]

I did not have an issue when I had my Aussie in my reef.

 

[Dmorty217]

I did not have an issue when I had my Aussie in my reef.

most don't but there is a higher chance that one will be curious if its larger

 

[Just Jim]

I was eyeing up one on blue zoo that was under 2". I pulled the trigger and ordered it even though it only has a live arrive guarantee. Aussies under 3" are hard to find and under 2" is crazy. I'll qt in hypo and when it's def healthy and an aggressive eater I'll move it into my 240g.

 

[sc50964]

Based on my exp, it will do a quick number on your crabs, snails, urchins, and shrimps but will leave all other inverts and corals alone.

 

[Just Jim]

Based on my exp, it will do a quick number on your crabs, snails, urchins, and shrimps but will leave all other inverts and corals alone.

I don't have any urchins, shrimp, or crabs. It won't touch my turbos and the cerith snails are only $0.09/ea. Hopefully I can keep it fat and happy enough to slowly eat the ceriths

 

[jschultzbass]

I had a 5" one off LA DD and it made quick work of my cleaner shrimp and hermits (to be expected) but I had to get rid of him when he started munching on my blue Caribbean chromis and Benghai Cardinals. Left all corals alone though.

 

[ghostman]

My tusk is also about 5" and is doing great with all fish and inverts. I don't keep shrimp though. He is somewhat shy and does get bullied a bit by my vlamingi tang.

 

[Scuba Dog]

Mine loves chromis for a snack. Any small reef fish would be a mid morning snack.

 

[albano]

Have had tusks in my reef tanks for almost 30 yrs...no problems, wouldn't have a tank without one