Photo. (c) 2019 John Nevill.
Photo. (c) 2019 John Nevill.
Photo. (c) 2019 John Nevill.
Scientific Name: Choerodon robustus
English Name: Robust tuskfish
Creole Name: Silanmber
French Name: Maldague robuste
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
Description:
Dorsal spines: 13; Dorsal rays: 8; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 10.
Deep bodied wrasse with broad rounded head. 4 strong canines situated anteriorly in each jaw with second pair in lower jaw directed laterally. Dorsal fin continuous, the
spines and anterior soft rays of similar length. Caudal fin truncate.
Colour. Orange to pinkish brown on head and dorso-anteriorly. 2 short blue lines, one above and one through eye. A third line below midpoint to posterior of eye. Blue line
above top lip and blue streak on chin. Lower edge of opercle blue. A diagonal brown line connecting pectoral fin base and posterior end of dorsal fin base. Flanks and
ventrally, below the diagonal line white to yellowish. Dorsal and anal fins yellowish to hyaline with blue stripes. Caudal peduncle with several rows of blue spots. Caudal
fin hyaline with upper and lower edges light blue and wavy blue lines centrally.
Size:
Maturity: Lm unknown. Range 15 - ? cm. Max length: 35.0 cm TL.
Habitat and Ecology:
Inhabits coral and rocky reefs (depth 40-70 m). Usually solitary. Feeds mostly on hard-shelled prey including crustaceans, molluscs and sea urchins. Oviparous, distinct
pairing during breeding.
Fishery Status:
This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the in the handline and trap fishery, but is an uncommon component of the catch.
Notes:
References:
Cabanban, A. & Choat, J.H. (2010). Choerodon robustus. The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T187747A8619499.en. (01/03/20).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/6926 (04/06/19).
Randall, J.E. (1986). Labridae. p. 683-706. In M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra (eds.) Smiths' sea fishes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
Citation:
Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Choerodon robustus, Robust tuskfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/choerodon-robustus-gunther-1862/ (edited 10/07/22).