Harlequin Tuskfish

[ReefTank1]

Has anyone kept a harlequin tusk in a reef? I dont care about it eating crabs but want to keep my corals. My tank is 175gal

 

[thor32766]

no problem there, the only reason they aren't reef safe is they eat snails and crabs, they wont touch your coral.

 

[thor32766]

oh yeah might they might take a shot at ornamental shrimp also.

 

[thedigitalimager]

They're wonderful fish but will make a lunch out of your cleanup crew.

 

[Zoom]

I had one in my reef for two years I had to pull him out because he got bigger and no other fish was able to eat any food he ate it all.
He never had any interest in any corals but made a lunch out of my shrimps,crabs and snails.

 

[technoshaman]

They get more and more assertive as they get older and are absolute pigs. Be prepared for him muscling all other fish out of the way at mealtimes. Mine will knock snails off the glass then grab them by the foot and shake them out.

 

[ReefTank1]

is it possible to buy an australian one at 4" or less?

 

[technoshaman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7652630#post7652630 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefTank1
is it possible to buy an australian one at 4" or less?

Possibly - but juveniles are somewhat delicate - I'd get one thats at least 4 inches and is eating well. A tuskfish that isn't hungry is a very odd sight indeed. Also feed them twice a day as they have a fairly high metabolism.

 

[Confooseld]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7643852#post7643852 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Zoom
I had one in my reef for two years I had to pull him out because he got bigger and no other fish was able to eat any food he ate it all.
He never had any interest in any corals but made a lunch out of my shrimps,crabs and snails.

They eat soooooo much.

 

[flameangel88]

I was going to order one last night but after reading them eating cleanup crew then decided to get a blue hippo instead and glad of the change of heart especially now realize they eat so much. The cleanup crew is expensive even on sale. But must say they look very pretty.