Harlequin Tusks

midwest reefer

midwest reefer

Member
Are their any differences between a Harelquin tusk and an Australian Harlequin tust? All i noticed is that the australian has different markings and is about 40$ more! Is one harder to keep or more aggresive. Im interested in getting one so if you have any info on both or either please help me out
 
grouperhead

grouperhead

Active Member
Aussy specimens are healthier, more robust, and have better coloring. This is mainly because of capturing methods. All Aust. specimens are net caught, while specimens from the Philippines and surrounding areas are usually caught with other methods (cyanide.) Bo
 
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irenicus

Guest
How do you really know where its from? There isn't more than 1 harlequin tusk species... Is there? Reason I'm asking is I have a Juv. Har. Tusk. I am aware though of the different capture methods.
 
redtang

redtang

Member
I have 2 harlequin tush fish. One a reg. from the phillipines. He is about 5", I have had him for about 4 months. I paid 80 for him at my LFS. He was extreamly hard to get to eat. I really thought he was going to die. When I got him I thought his colors were great. I recently ordered on line a Australian one. He is about 10" in a different tank. When I first opened the bag, I could not belive how bright his orange and blue were. When you see both of them you notice right away how much more colorful the Australian one is. After putting him in the tank, he ate the first day, and is doing great. The australian ones in my opinion are much easier to keep, and better looking. (By far) like many things in this hobby, you get what you pay for with these!
 
redtang

redtang

Member
You can ususlly tell by price. Here in TX I have only seen the ones from the phillipines (sp). Ususlly around $90 to $110 depending on size. The LFS around here only order the ones from the Phillipines, because most people don't know the difference. Unsuspecting people are more likely to pay $100 for a tusk from Phillipines then they are to pay for one from Australia at twice the price. Most can't even tell the difference. The australian ones are however hardier.
 
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irenicus

Guest
I have a 2.5-3 in. juvenile. I've had him for about 4 months and he swims a lot and has a healthy appetite. His colors are nice, but not as vibrant as yours. I need to get a pic so you and others could make the distinction, because lord knows I can't, even after all my research. Thanks for your help Red Tang.:)
 
midwest reefer

midwest reefer

Member
Yea... after all this it sounds like I should go with an aussy species... until yesturday when I went to a fish stoer about 40 miles from my town. 160$ for an aussy harlequin tusk that was no bigger than 4 inches. Is this normal?:eek:
 
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