Anchor Tusk (Choerodon Anchorago)

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Semi-Aggressive

Color :  Grey, Brown, Orange, White, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible :  With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 20"

Origin : East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean

Family : Labridae

Minimum Tank Size : 150 gallons

The Anchor Tusk (Choerodon Anchorago), Orange Spotted Tuskfish, also known as the Orange Dotted Tuskfish, is a unique wrasse species native to the Indian Ocean.

They have a large body with a black back, white underbelly, and some yellow fins and characteristic orange spots. The Anchor Tusk will go through color and body shape change from juvenile to adults. They reach a max size of about 20 inches and should be housed in an aquarium with plenty of swimming space.

It is best kept in large, fish-only tanks of at least 150 gallons, which should have plenty of rock shelters. They are best kept in with plenty of live rock, a sandy substrate, and a tightly sealed lid to prevent escapes. Be aware that this species commonly enjoys rearranging rockwork and sand beds, which can cause rocks to topple over. 

They look mean (look at the fangs) but aren't really all that aggressive. In a large tank it will be just fine as a community fish. On the flip side, this is a fish that is likely to be bullied if added to aquariums with established aggressive fish.

May be difficult to feed in the early days in the aquarium, as it’s often shy when first introduced into the aquarium.As to diet, products such as marine fish and crustacean flesh, clams, and other marine meaty foods should make up the majority of their diet and be enriched and chopped into fine pieces and fed twice daily.