Blackspot Tuskfish

Interesting Info

• The Blackspot Tuskfish is a species of marine fish found along the eastern and western coasts of Australia, particularly around the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef.
• The fish is primarily green-blue and has a black spot on the upper part of its body, from which it gets its name. It also has sharp, canine-like teeth that are used for hunting and feeding.
• They are carnivores and primarily feed on invertebrates, including crustaceans, molluscs, and echinoderms. Their strong jaws and sharp teeth allow them to crush hard-shelled prey.
• Blackspot Tuskfish are solitary creatures, usually found alone or in pairs. They are territorial and can exhibit aggressive behavior, particularly towards other tuskfish.
• Blackspot Tuskfish have distinct breeding seasons, generally during the warmer months of the year, around November to March. They lay their eggs in open water, where they float freely until hatching. Interestingly, this species exhibits a behaviour known as protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start their life as females and later change to males.
• During the night, Blackspot Tuskfish often dig themselves into the sandy seafloor or hide in the reef to sleep and avoid predators.
• They are a long lived species with a estimated lifespan up to 30 years.