Dagger Tuskfish

Interesting Info

• The Dagger Tuskfish is widespread in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean, ranging from Western Australia across the Northern Territory and down through Queensland.
• They have a rounded head and a slender grey body with a wide lateral stripe that gradually changes from yellow at the front to black at the rear. There is a prominent large pale oval patch situated below the rear of the dorsal fin base.
• They are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish.
• Dagger Tuskfish are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and rest at night.
• Dagger Tuskfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they can change sex from female to male during their lifespan.
• Spawning typically occurs around the full moon, with the release of eggs and sperm into the water column. After fertilisation, the eggs hatch into larvae, which then settle on the reef and undergo metamorphosis into juvenile wrasses.
• Their estimated lifespan is up to 10 years.