Common Name: Graphic Tuskfish

Distribution: Uncommon in the Solitary Islands Marine Park. Recorded from the western Pacific region, Queensland to New Caledonia.

Ecological Notes: Inhabits deeper offshore reefs and slopes, sand and rubble habitat usually deeper than 20 m.

Additional Notes: Pale body with dark blotches and radiating dark lines from the eye. Feeds on hard shelled molluscs, crustaceans and sea urchins. Distinct pairing during breeding, is oviparous (ie lays eggs in which the embroyo develops after egglaying). Specimen pictured was one of a number noted amongst algae in the estuary, and was approximately 70 mm in length. Adults reputed to be easily approached. Grows to at least 50 cm. 

References: R. Stuart-Smith, G. Edgar, A. Green, I. Shaw, Tropical Marine Fishes of Australia. Reed New Holland Publishers, 2015. p.295.

FishBase. Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2018. World Wide Web electronic publication. http://fishbase.ca/summary/Choerodon-graphicus.html. Accessed 11/05/18.