Harlequin tuskfish reef safe??

Discussion in 'Tropical Fish' started by ViPete1985, Aug 9, 2011.

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  1. ViPete1985

    ViPete1985 Astrea Snail

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    I have had a juvenile harlequin tuskfish in my reef tank for about a month ...the tank has 3 cleaner shrimp and some small hermit crabs and he has been great not even took a smell at my corals either softies lps SpS...anyone have any bad experience with this fish cuz so many people were telling me no not to do it n he's been great!! Maybe wen he gets bigger but for now he's a model citizen....feel free to speak on any other fish that r stereotypically non reef safe which u had success with
     
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  3. doylef4i

    doylef4i Bubble Tip Anemone

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    I think people say they are not reef safe because the will eat shrimp/crabs/snails.He might not be for now like you said but it can change anytime.I say go for it.We can not make any advances in this hobby or anything else if there always people telling you can't do some thing.That being said it can be hard to retrain animals from nature and millions of years of evolution.I wish you luck.
     
  4. ReefPlayground

    ReefPlayground 3reef Sponsor

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  5. MoJoe

    MoJoe Dragon Wrasse

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    I have a juvie Aussie Tusk in my tank and it has been fine with my inverts. However, as it gets bigger it will go after your CUC, most def. It might take a long while if yours is very small, but it will def happen.
     
  6. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Agreed.

    I've said this before, but it's worth repeating- There's 2 things I've learned in the aquarium hobby, both fresh and saltwater:

    1) Most fish prefer live food; If it's live and fits in their mouth, it's food.

    2) "Peaceful toward tankmates" usually only applies as long as no tankmates fit in their mouth.

    Keep in mind that the Tusk reaches 10 inches and prefers shrimp and crabs...
     
  7. ViPete1985

    ViPete1985 Astrea Snail

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    Yes I completely understand that he will probably get big enough to eat my cuc...but some people were telling me he eats coral n I think that's just ridiculous....I will enjoy him while I can as he is a youngster now n I'm sure he"ll b fine for the next year or so
     
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  9. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    Well, LiveAquaria claims they will NOT bother corals. They're fairly reliable with their info IMHO, so you just might get lucky. :)

    FWIW, everyone says pigmy angels nip at corals; However, I had 3 in my reef tank with no problems. Personally, I think the issue is diet. I gave them plenty of the proper type foods and they were fine.