Harlequin Tusk

J

jetbkk

New member
Ok, I know this is going to be a somewhat controversial thread...

I am thinking very seriously about buying the Harlequin Tusk in the photo below. It is about 4" in size and it isn't possible to find any smaller over here.

I have been reading a lot about this fish, and I know my inverts will be toast at one point or another. Since I have several other Wrasses, I'm already comfortable with that. I don't care too much about crabs and snails and I can easily thrown a bunch of snails in each month if i need/want to. I will have a lot of coral in my tank once it has matured, but I understand it will not bother coral. It's rating of "with caution" is mostly about inverts.

The one thing I intend to do is buy a couple clams, so I would hope it would leave them alone. From what I have read, Harlequin Tusks in general don't mess with clams if they are large. Anyone have any experience with this?

Also, although my tank is a 5 foot long, 230 gallon tank, I know that I will have several fish that will eventually out grow it --- Hippo/Naso/Red Coris. However, I am of the mindset that when a fish gets too big I can swap it out and replace it with smaller one. I can just give it to my friends shop and they will happily take it. So in theory the size issue can be dealt with.

The other thing is that the Harlequin Tusk is only $30 here. I know in the US it goes for at least $179 from what I see online, so I feel this is a really good deal for me (just because I live in Thailand and this is most likely coming from the Philippines which is just a few hours away).

I'm really looking forward to hearing your comments on this! I think they are stunning fish and hope I'm not doing something I will regret.


photo.jpg
 
I have few over the years and currently trying to pair mine
It never eats clams not even snails but loves shrimp And the one i have in the main tank eats primarily on pellets for over a year now without a problem.

It's a amazing fish
Australian are much better
Ps
You are so lucky you can see Ching chai tank !
 
Thanks for the reply Lawrence. I'm glad to hear you haven't had any problems with yours, especially with clams. I don't care much about shrimp, crabs and snails (hermits always mess up my zoas, and shrimp hide more than they come out) so this is a good trade-off in my opinion!

I don't know for sure (yet) that this one comes from the Philippines, but I'm pretty sure it does. But hey, it is a nice looking fish for $30!
 
It's hard to feed at first but you can train it.

Also when did you last see Ching chai tank?
Thailand become the new Mecca of reef tank
Between h
Ching chai, Paul ( last version) and Moddy
It's reef heaven
I am from PI it's a very nice fish but aussie are much more brighter and bigger :)
 
It's hard to feed at first but you can train it.

Also when did you last see Ching chai tank?
Thailand become the new Mecca of reef tank
Between h
Ching chai, Paul ( last version) and Moddy
It's reef heaven
I am from PI it's a very nice fish but aussie are much more brighter and bigger :)
 
I agree the Aussie fish is a lot nicer, but it is no longer $30 then... price goes over $100. I never saw Ching Chai's tank, btw. Only online ...

I will give this fish a try on Saturday and let you know how it goes!

Personally, I think the selection of fish is better here than coral. You have to work hard to find the good stuff here and it is expensive because it isn't easily imported... The Thai coral is not nearly as nice as Indo, Vietnam, Fiji, etc etc.
 
Well it is a nice tank and will keep getting better, no doubt. Where you from in the PI? My wife is from there, btw..

Picking up the Harlequin Tusk tomorrow.. can't wait! Also some Bartlett Anthias..
 
Well it is a nice tank and will keep getting better, no doubt. Where you from in the PI? My wife is from there, btw..

Picking up the Harlequin Tusk tomorrow.. can't wait! Also some Bartlett Anthias..
 
I had an Australian Harlequin Tuskfish, and it was the best fish I've ever owned. So much personality, so much beauty! Voracious appetite however -- make sure to keep plenty of live food (inverts) in the system for him to pursue.

Good luck !
 
Picking up the Harlequin Tusk tomorrow.. can't wait! Also some Bartlett Anthias..

I had an australian one a few years ago in my reef. It grew to I think around 7-8 inches. Clams should be ok if larger. Shrimp have no chance. Snails were left alone.
It will eat fish too - and larger ones than you may think. I eventually had to give mine up as he ate several of my anthias and a few others.
 
Wow beautiful fish I was considering buying one as well but they're are pretty expensive out here lol 30bucks! Man that's almost free lol gl
 
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