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Bareface tuskfish (Choerodon gymnogenys) — Labridae

Bareface tuskfish

Choerodon gymnogenys
Family: Labridae

The Bareface tuskfish (Choerodon gymnogenys) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Mozambique, Tanzania

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Description

The Bareface tuskfish is a tuskfish (Labridae) from reef and rocky water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a robust, elongate body with prominent, often blue tusks with which it crushes shellfish, crabs and sea urchins. As a day-active, bottom-oriented fish it stirs sand and turns over stones searching for prey. Like many wrasses a female can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bareface tuskfish?

The Bareface tuskfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly green.

Where does the Bareface tuskfish live?

The Bareface tuskfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Mozambique, Tanzania

How big does the Bareface tuskfish get?

The Bareface tuskfish grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Bareface tuskfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bareface tuskfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Bareface tuskfish sourced
Scientific name
Choerodon gymnogenys
Family
Labridae
Other names
Purplelined wrasse sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Mozambique, Tanzania sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Choerodon

More from the family Labridae

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