Black durgon
Melichthys niger
Also known as Black triggerfish, Black durgeon
SaltwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–81°F
- 24–27°C
- pH
- 8.0–8.4
- Adult size
- 15.7 in
- 40 cm
- Minimum tank
- 124 gal
- 470 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Common
- Reef safe
- Reef safe with caution
- Family
- Balistidae
- Origin
- Found circumtropically on outer reef slopes and drop-offs, hovering in open water to feed on plankton and algae.
Overview
The black durgon is one of the calmer triggerfish and suits a large marine tank. It is best with a little experience.
Did you know
The black durgon looks jet black, but it is covered in iridescent blue and green scales. They flash into view only when the light catches them at the right angle.
Caring for the black durgon
Give a black durgon a tank of at least 124 gal (470 L), with open swimming space, some rock and strong flow. It is an active, hungry swimmer that cruises the open water rather than hiding in the rock.
Keep the water at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) and a pH of 8.0 to 8.4. Feed a mix of meaty foods and marine algae or nori, since it grazes as well as hunts.
The black durgon generally leaves corals alone, but it can still nip ornamental shrimp and small invertebrates. That makes it reef safe only with caution.
Good to know
Melichthys niger is a triggerfish in the family Balistidae, also called the black triggerfish. Unlike most triggers, it is largely a mid-water planktivore, which makes it one of the more reef-tolerant members of the family. Like all triggers, it can lock its dorsal spine upright to wedge into a crevice at night. Up close, pale lines run along its fin bases.
In the wild
The black durgon is found circumtropically on outer reef slopes and drop-offs. It feeds high in the water column on drifting plankton and algae.
Common questions
What size tank does a black durgon need?
A black durgon needs at least 124 gal (470 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a black durgon need?
A black durgon is comfortable at 75–81°F (24–27°C) with a pH of 8.0–8.4.
What does a black durgon eat?
A black durgon eats a mix of meaty foods and marine algae or nori. It grazes as well as hunts.
How big does a black durgon get?
An adult black durgon reaches about 15.7 in (40 cm).
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