Anchor Tuskfish

The orange-dotted tuskfish, Choerodon anchorago, is a species of wrasse native to the Indian Ocean from Sri Lanka eastward to French Polynesia in the western Pacific. Its range extends north to the Ryukyus and south to New Caledonia. It inhabits reefs at depths from 1 to 25 m (3.3 to 82.0 ft). This species can reach a length of 50 cm (20 in). It is commercially important, and can be found in the aquarium trade.

Along with blackspot tuskfish and a few other wrasse species, orange-dotted tuskfish have been observed taking small bivalves into the mouth and smashing them against a rock, a form of tool use by animals.

Other Names: Orangedotted Tuskfish, Orange-dotted Tuskfish, Orange-dotted Tusk-fish, White-belly Tuskfish

Description

Colour of body greenish to grey with underside of head, chest and lower portion of sides white or bluish; a wedge-shaped white band extending upward onto back behind pectoral fins; a large rectangular white saddle situated dorsally on caudal peduncle extending forward below rear of dorsal fin; head speckled with orange; pectoral-fin base covered by a large blue to black spot; dorsal fin greenish grey anteriorly and yellowish posteriorly; caudal fin greenish orange; anal fin yellow with orange markings; a narrow blue margin on dorsal and anal fins. Small individuals overall greenish grey with several whitish bars

Adults inhabit reef flats and lagoon reefs, in areas with seagrass or mixed sand, rubble, and coral. They often form small aggregations. Juveniles occur inshore and usually form small groups in estuarine seagrass beds. Adults can be found in inner as well as outer reefs and are territorial. Feed mainly on hard-shelled prey including crustaceans, mollusks and sea urchins. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: Sri Lanka eastward to French Polynesia, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to New Caledonia.