Harlequin Tusk advice

[MarineBradUK]

Hi guys

I've dreamed of getting a harlequin tusk in my 100 gallon aquarium however wasn't too sure if it would be a good idea due to having cleaner shrimp, a couple of hermit crabs and a few emerald crabs.

I have plenty of live rock but wasn't sure if it is also likely to chow down on my regal damsels or green chromis - I've noticed many aquaria that house all these fish but unsure how they tend to live together!

I also have a fox face, clown pair, 2 sailfin tangs and a blue tang.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


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[nereefpat]

The shrimp, crabs, and small fish will possibly be eaten.

They also should have a larger tank than a 100 gallon, as should the sailfin and blue tangs.

 

[Tkieu78]

I have my 4 inch tusk with clown fish. Tang's. Chromis. Fire shrimp cleaner shrimp. Hermits. Snails. Wrasses.
He's never bother any of them


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[MarineBradUK]

I have my 4 inch tusk with clown fish. Tang's. Chromis. Fire shrimp cleaner shrimp. Hermits. Snails. Wrasses.
He's never bother any of them


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Thank you. Did you introduce the HT as a juvenile when smaller than the others or does that not matter?


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[mike61289]

A tusk will definitely need a larger tank. The tangs should also be pulled out when they outgrow the tank.

 

[MarineBradUK]

A tusk will definitely need a larger tank. The tangs should also be pulled out when they outgrow the tank.

Thank you, what kind of capacity would you suggest is needed? Everything I've read online been 90 plus gallons


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[MarineBradUK]

The shrimp, crabs, and small fish will possibly be eaten.



They also should have a larger tank than a 100 gallon, as should the sailfin and blue tangs.

Thank you, Does the size of the tusk matter when introduced?


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[nereefpat]

Thank you, what kind of capacity would you suggest is needed? Everything I've read online been 90 plus gallons


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They get about 10 inches...30cm according to fishbase. Live aquaria says 125 gallons for a minimum, which is a 6' x 1 1/2' footprint. A 180 (6x2x2) would be better.

Thank you, Does the size of the tusk matter when introduced?


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Not sure. It might help with the cleaner shrimp. I wouldn't trust the tusk with any small fishes or shrimp/crabs that I cared about. Gorgeous fish though, I would sacrifice the shrimp and crabs...if I had a big enough tank to house a tusk.

 

[Jason9488]

I had one for 3 years in a 125. He went to my friends 220. 100 gallon tank is too small to keep long term.

 

[mike61289]

Thank you, what kind of capacity would you suggest is needed? Everything I've read online been 90 plus gallons


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90 gallons in the minimum to keep one tang short term. 180+ gallons is better for keeping multiples, although even that can be tight.

I'd have to agree about the tusk in a bigger tank too. The larger the tank, the better it will be.

 

[OrionN]

I agree that 100 gal is too small for some of the fish you have right now and the Tusk. That aside, if you feed the Tusk well, he won't bother your small fishes, shrimp and crabs. They are lazy fish and will just take the easy way out and not have to chase their food.


All the fishes and shrimp that are added after they are in the tank are fair game and will be eaten a few second after arrival in the tank. Disoriented and daze small animals are irresistible to predators like Harlequin Tusk. Fortunately, they go to bed fairly early, especially if they are well fed. Once they went to bed, you can add all the small fish and shrimp to your heart content and they will not be expensive Tusk dinner.


with my large HT in my 400 gal and 320 gal, I always count my small fish after I return from vacation, just to see if any are missing. I specifically hand feed my Tusk daily, and he grew FAST. He will grow fast if you plan to keep him from eating your other animals so plan for this accordingly.

 

[MarineBradUK]

Thank you. It's looking like having a HT will have to remain a dream :-(

Out of curiosity how do you specifically feed your HT?


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[OrionN]

I cut chunk of what ever food I feed him and he would swim right over. He eat one chunk right after the other, given a little time in between for him to chew and swallow the food. He would eat until he eat no more, one more bite and he would split wide open. I do this once a day when I feed my tank.
It is likely that you do this every other or third day and he would be fine. He will eat the food with the other fishes on other days.