Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13 (rarely: 12); Dorsal soft rays (total): 7; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 10. Pectoral fin rays: II, 14, dorsalmost ray of moderate length 35.4%–47.9% pectoral fin length, ventralmost rays shorter than those above, posterior edge of fin obliquely straight, dorsoposterior corner bluntly pointed, posteroventral corner angular; Body depth: 35.3%–44.2% SL; Head depth: 27.4%–35.1% SL; Caudal peduncle depth: 14.5%–17.2% SL; Head bluntly pointed, dorsal profile of snout moderately steep, snout length: 12.2%–16.3% SL; Predorsal scales approximately: 5–7, reaching forward on dorsal midline to above posterior edge of preopercle; Cheek with small partially embedded scales in about 7–9 diagonal rows, posteriormost with about 15 scales to upper extent of free preopercular edge, reaching forward almost to corner of upper lip crease above mouth, with very broad naked margin posteriorly and ventrally on preopercle; 1 or 2 rows of about 4–7 small scales (only 1 or 2 scales in second row when present) on subopercle adjacent preopercular edge extending forward to about middle of ventral preopercular margin; Each lateral line scale with multiple branching laterosensory canal tube; Scales above lateral line about 2½ or 3; Numerous cephalic sensory canal pores on top of head behind eye and on cheek anteroventral to eye, fewer between eyes and on snout; Second pair of canines in lower jaw directed anterodorsally, very little laterally; dorsal and anal fins with very low basal sheath comprising 1–3 progressively smaller accessory scales at deepest; posterior lobe of dorsal and anal fins reaching beyond hypural crease; Caudal fin truncate to slightly rounded, upper and lower corners rounded; Pelvic fin reaching to anal fin origin in large individuals, length: 21.2%–25.5% SL. Max length: 50.0 cm TL. Depth range: 2 - 36 m, usually: 5 - 20 m.

Color
Juveniles and initial phase individuals white with 5 or 6 prominent irregular broad brown to black vertical bands from nape to base of caudal fin, band below central dorsal fin spines split vertically, anterior section superimposed with black spot on and below lateral line; Bands continuing on head as bars radiating from eye, 3 crossing forehead, 2 directed ventrally and 2 posteriorly, additional vertical bar crossing operculum; Dorsal, anal and caudal fins crossed by blue lines or rows of fine blue spots.
Terminal phase individuals olive yellow with slate grey to brownish grey anastomosing transverse bands with green flecks, most body scales behind pectoral fin with vertical blue streak; head dull orange to yellow on cheeks and operculum, chin bright green, bars radiating posteriorly from eye black; Fins mostly dark slate grey, dorsal fin with blue margin, reddish orange submarginal line, and scattered blue and orange markings; Anal fin blue with numerous fine orange markings; Pectoral fin brown, although more grey basally, with green and brown base.

Etymology
Choerodon: from Greek, choiros = a pig + from Greek, odous = teeth. Referring to prominent anterior canines, which Bleeker called “slagtanden” (tusks), hence the common name tuskfish.
graphicus: from Greek, graphikos = of writing. Perhaps in reference to the complex markings on the side of the head and body resembling letters.
Original description: Choerops graphicus De Vis, 1885 - Type locality: Cardwell, Queensland coast, Australia.

Distribution
Western Pacific: Eastern Australia and New Caledonia.

Biology
Adults inhabit lagoon and seaward reefs, usually on rubble and sand bottoms. Solitary. Feed mainly on hard-shelled prey including crustaceans, mollusks and sea urchins. Oviparous, distinct pairing during breeding. Relatively common and easily approached.