[3] They are commonly referred to as tuskfish, because most species have sharp tusk-like teeth.

[4] Molecular phylogenetic analysis has so far demonstrated the monophyly of the subgenera, although not all species in the genus have been evaluated.

[4][5] Orange-dotted, blue, graphic, and blackspot tuskfish have been recorded using large rocks or hard coral as "anvils", upon which they smash open hard-shelled prey items.

All four species belong to the subgenus Choerodon, and can remember to use a particular rock or coral repeatedly for this purpose.

[10][11][12] The 27 currently recognized species in this genus are:[3][4][13][14] (D. S. Jordan & Snyder, 1901) Gomon, 2017 J. D. Ogilby, 1910 (Günther, 1862) (Seale & B.