Introducing an Australian Harlequin Tusk

[RichCalvo]

Hello everyone,

I plan to introduce that fish as my last fish in a couple of months to my 150g DT. I have several wrasse fish already: Melanurus, Yellow Coris, Carpenter, Solorensis, Orange-back fairy and Cleaner. I have several Tangs, Dwarf Angels, Foxface and some small fish such as firefish. Any experience with aggression from that fish to other fishs or viceversa? I know it will likely go after my snails and shrimps, but how about other fish?

 

[Daniel Waters]

Hello everyone,

I plan to introduce that fish as my last fish in a couple of months to my 150g DT. I have several wrasse fish already: Melanurus, Yellow Coris, Carpenter, Solorensis, Orange-back fairy and Cleaner. I have several Tangs, Dwarf Angels, Foxface and some small fish such as firefish. Any experience with aggression from that fish to other fishs or viceversa? I know it will likely go after my snails and shrimps, but how about other fish?

Initially, I'd be more concerned about the Tusk after introduction. While they are typically big, mean looking fish, they are somewhat passive in my opinion, except when feeding. Your tangs, depending on the species and individual personalities, may not like a newcomer and might bully him. My yellow tang seems to constantly want to try to assert dominance over my Tusk, and he has none of that. But my tusk was established first and I could imagine a situation where if it were reversed, the tang might be overly aggressive during introduction. Overall, I think the Tusk will be fine.

As far as the other fish, I have heard that Tusks do not like other wrasses. I can't say for certain from personal experience as I've never risked it. It's possible any small fish could be eaten by your tusk, I think this is a small chance. In general, I find established specimens in the tank will be left alone. Keep the Tusk well fed and he should be less inclined to want to eat your snails or shrimp. Most snails will be eaten over time, though ( large turbos survive in my tank b/c the Tusk has a hard time grabbing them and pulling them off, cone shaped snails got wiped out in short order). The shrimp may or may not be bothered. Any shrimp added after the Tusk would be risky...afterall, fish learn that when you add stuff to the tank, it's usually food! I'd love to hear how the mix of wrasses works out when you introduce the Tusk

 

[eatbreakfast]

As it matures the tuskfish will get increasingly aggressive to the wrasses in the tank.

Unless the tang is particularly aggressive, they usually ignore tuskfish.

 

[Waters]

I ended up pulling mine due to aggression to any new fish added after him. He was fine with all fish that were there before him.

 

[4FordFamily]

Your tusk may bully the fairy wrasse and eat the firefish right off the bat.

 

[RichCalvo]

Initially, I'd be more concerned about the Tusk after introduction. While they are typically big, mean looking fish, they are somewhat passive in my opinion, except when feeding. Your tangs, depending on the species and individual personalities, may not like a newcomer and might bully him. My yellow tang seems to constantly want to try to assert dominance over my Tusk, and he has none of that. But my tusk was established first and I could imagine a situation where if it were reversed, the tang might be overly aggressive during introduction. Overall, I think the Tusk will be fine.

As far as the other fish, I have heard that Tusks do not like other wrasses. I can't say for certain from personal experience as I've never risked it. It's possible any small fish could be eaten by your tusk, I think this is a small chance. In general, I find established specimens in the tank will be left alone. Keep the Tusk well fed and he should be less inclined to want to eat your snails or shrimp. Most snails will be eaten over time, though ( large turbos survive in my tank b/c the Tusk has a hard time grabbing them and pulling them off, cone shaped snails got wiped out in short order). The shrimp may or may not be bothered. Any shrimp added after the Tusk would be risky...afterall, fish learn that when you add stuff to the tank, it's usually food! I'd love to hear how the mix of wrasses works out when you introduce the Tusk

Thanks Daniel, really appreciate the feedback. I am excited to introduce the new fish as it is one of my favorite fish, I will also use an aclimation box for 2-3 days to make sure aggresion minimizes a bit.

 

[RichCalvo]

I ended up pulling mine due to aggression to any new fish added after him. He was fine with all fish that were there before him.

Yeah I heard that too, reason why I left the Tusk as the last fish...

 

[RichCalvo]

Your tusk may bully the fairy wrasse and eat the firefish right off the bat.

Oh man, that would be very bad. I am worry about my firefish for sure as it is small, wasn't aware of the potential risk for my fairy although all the existing wrasses I have are in a good size.

 

[RichCalvo]

Did you guys have any luck keeping your shrimp after you introduced the Tusk? Thinking if I should sell them before introduce them or "give it a try"...

 

[4FordFamily]

Did you guys have any luck keeping your shrimp after you introduced the Tusk? Thinking if I should sell them before introduce them or "give it a try"...

It's a risk, without a doubt. Cleaner shrimp and larger shrimp may be at less risk, but anything is possible, as they're technically on the menu.

 

[Daniel Waters]

Did you guys have any luck keeping your shrimp after you introduced the Tusk? Thinking if I should sell them before introduce them or "give it a try"...

I think if the shrimp are established and you keep the Tusk well fed, he might leave the shrimp alone. I'm basing this on my Tusk's behavior towards my snails. He doesn't hunt my snails down when he's well fed. If he starts getting hungry, he starts trying to pull turbos off rocks. I'd suggest you feed your tusk a few times a day if you're hoping to train him to stay away from your shrimp. I have some tongs I use that he is used to eating off of. This makes it easier than having to feed the whole tank multiple times a day. I use small pieces of chopped silver slides, or krill, or sometimes part of a frozen cube of mussel or mysis, sometimes in morning, then feed the whole tank in afternoon, and then maybe target feed the tusk again later in the evening.