Venus Tuskfish

Interesting Info

• The Venus Tuskfish is a species of marine fish that is found in the coastal waters and reefs of Queensland and New South Wales in Australia.
• They have a thick and elongated body, a large head, and a pair of prominent canine teeth that give it a tusk-like appearance. The body of the Venus Tuskfish is generally green or brownish-green, and it has a series of horizontal blue lines along its sides.
• Venus Tuskfish are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey including crustaceans, molluscs, and other small fish.
• The Venus Tuskfish is known for its intelligence and problem-solving abilities. Researchers have observed the Venus Tuskfish using rocks to crack open the shells of its prey, a behaviour that was previously thought to be limited to mammals and birds.
• The Venus Tuskfish is a solitary and territorial species, often staking out a specific area of reef or structure as its home range.
• They are most active at dawn and dusk when they venture out to feed, preferring to hide in caves, crevices, and under ledges during the day.
• They are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start off as females and later transition to males as they grow larger.
• During the breeding season, which typically occurs from September to November, male Venus Tuskfish will build a nest in the sand and attract females to lay their eggs in it.
• Estimated lifespan is up to 35 years.