Blue Tuskfish

Interesting Info

• The Blue Tuskfish is found across a broad range of Australian waters, extending from Western Australia’s central coast, throughout the Northern Territory’s coastal regions, and along the entire Queensland coast. There have also been reports of the Blue Tuskfish in northern parts of New South Wales down to Sydney.
• They have a distinct appearance characterised by a robust body, a prominent forehead, and a protruding jaw, giving it a tusk-like appearance. Its coloration can vary, but adults typically have a bluish-green hue on their upper body, which fades to white on the lower half.
• Blue Tuskfish are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of prey, including crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish. These carnivores use their strong jaws and tusk-like teeth to crush or break apart shells and hard-bodied prey.
• They are known for their remarkable intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They have been observed using rocks as tools to dislodge prey from crevices or to break open shells for feeding.
• Blue Tuskfish exhibit complex courtship behaviour during the breeding season. Males often engage in aggressive displays, such as headbutting or pushing other males, to establish dominance and secure mating opportunities with females.
• Females produce a large number of eggs, which are released into the water column during spawning. The fertilised eggs float near the surface and hatch into larvae, which then drift with the ocean currents before settling in suitable habitat.
• Their estimated lifespan is between 15 – 20 years.