Fin's Fish Guide
The Purple tuskfish (Choerodon cephalotes) is a saltwater fish of the family Labridae that grows up to 38 cm.
Description
The Purple tuskfish is a tuskfish (Labridae) from reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a robust, greenish-purple body with blue and yellow tints body with prominent, forward-projecting tusk-like teeth with which it crushes molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins. As a bottom-oriented fish it swims over coral and rocky reefs and roots in the sand; like many wrasses a female changes sex on loss of the male. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Purple tuskfish?
The Purple tuskfish has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly green.
Where does the Purple tuskfish live?
The Purple tuskfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines
How big does the Purple tuskfish get?
The Purple tuskfish grows to a maximum of about 38 cm.
Is the Purple tuskfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Purple 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.
Is the Purple tuskfish edible?
Yes, the Purple tuskfish is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Choerodon
More from the family Labridae
Want the complete picture on the Purple tuskfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Purple tuskfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.