Anchor Tusk Wrasse

Anchor Tusk Wrasse

Choerodon anchorago

Identification Stocky tan-to-cream body with a pink-violet wash on the face and large, protruding canine teeth visible at the mouth. Fins have blue and yellow accents.
Maximum Length Up to 14 inches (35 cm)
Origin Indo-Pacific — Philippines, Indonesia to Australia
Minimum Tank Size 180 gallons
Reef Compatibility No — will eat crustaceans, mollusks, and small invertebrates

Behavior

A hardy, active swimmer that uses its powerful jaws to crack open hard-shelled prey. Peaceful toward similarly sized fish but will destroy any invertebrate tankmates. One of the easier large wrasses to keep.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivore. Feeds on hard-shelled invertebrates — clams, snails, urchins, shrimp, crabs. Offer meaty foods: clams on the half shell, krill, silversides, squid.

Cautions

Incompatible with any invertebrates. Needs a large swimming area and a tight-fitting lid.