Triggerfish

Triggerfish are bold, intelligent and often aggressive, which makes them a FOWLR fish rather than a reef fish. They lock a spiny first dorsal fin upright to wedge into rock, and their strong teeth make short work of inverts. A few reef-safer species exist, but most need space and careful tankmates. Each profile lists adult size, tank size and temperament.

11 species

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  Black durgon

  Melichthys niger

  15.7 in (40 cm)124 gal (470 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)

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  Bluethroat Triggerfish

  Xanthichthys auromarginatus

  9.1 in (23 cm)125 gal (473 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

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  Bursa Triggerfish

  Sufflamen bursa

  9.8 in (25 cm)125 gal (473 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

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  Clown Triggerfish

  Balistoides conspicillum

  19.7 in (50 cm)300 gal (1,135 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

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  Crosshatch triggerfish

  Xanthichthys mento

  11.8 in (30 cm)106 gal (400 L)70–79°F (21–26°C)

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  Niger Triggerfish

  Odonus niger

  11.8 in (30 cm)180 gal (680 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

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  Picasso Triggerfish

  Rhinecanthus aculeatus

  11.8 in (30 cm)180 gal (680 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

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  Pinktail Triggerfish

  Melichthys vidua

  15.7 in (40 cm)180 gal (680 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

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  Queen triggerfish

  Balistes vetula

  19.7 in (50 cm)238 gal (900 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)

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  Undulated triggerfish

  Balistapus undulatus

  11.8 in (30 cm)180 gal (680 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)

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  Wedgetail triggerfish

  Rhinecanthus rectangulus

  11.8 in (30 cm)106 gal (400 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)