Choerodon schoenleinii (Valenciennes, 1839)

Scientific Classification

The blackspot tuskfish, scientifically known as Choerodon schoenleinii, is a species of wrasse.

Geographical Range

It is native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, ranging from Mauritius to Indonesia and Australia, and extending north to the Ryukyu Islands.

Habitat Preferences

This species lives on reefs, and prefers habitats with sandy substrates or weed growth.

Depth Range

It can be found at depths between 10 and 60 meters (33 to 197 feet), though it is rarely found deeper than 20 meters (66 feet).

Size and Weight

It can grow up to 100 centimeters (39 inches) in total length, and the maximum recorded published weight of this species is 15.5 kilograms (34 pounds).

Human Relevance

The blackspot tuskfish is an important species for local commercial fisheries, and it is also farmed. It is a popular game fish, especially among spearfishers, and it is sold in the aquarium trade.

Etymological Note

In Hong Kong, its Cantonese name tsing yi (青衣) has been used to name Tsing Yi Island.

Tool Use Observation

In July 2011, a professional diver captured photographs of a blackspot tuskfish bashing a clam against a rock to break its shell, in apparent use of the rock as a tool. This observation was the first documented example of tool use by a wild fish.