Reef-Compatible Triggerfishes for the Aquarium
Aquarium Triggerfishes from the genera Xanthichthys and Melichthys
Dec 28, 2007
Triggerfishes belong to family Balistidae, and there are eleven genera and roughly forty species. Only about half of these are commonly available in the hobby, but they include some of the most gregarious, intelligent and hearty fishes one can keep in a home aquarium. This article specifically looks at two of genera that are amongst the best triggers for a reef tank—Xanthichthys and Melichthys. Many other triggerfishes are best kept in a fish only system.
Triggerfish Natural History
Triggerfishes can be found in warm waters throughout the Atlantic, Pacific and Indo-Pacific. As most hobbyists know, triggerfishes are named for their “trigger,” which can be used to lodge themselves firmly in reef crevices. In addition to their namesake trigger, all species are readily recognizable by way of their shape and distinctive tail. What the aquarist may not notice at first (but of which he or she should certainly be aware) are the canine teeth mounted in the fish’s powerful, crushing jaws.
Triggers from the Genera Xanthichthys and Melichthys
While some would never consider keeping a triggerfish in a reef tank, species from the genera Xanthichthys and Melichthys are considered reef compatible by many experienced hobbyists. Species from these genera generally remain under a foot in length and possess relatively peaceful dispositions.
Blue Jaw Triggerfish
"Most reef compatible triggers are very expensive," points out Mark Martin, director of marine animal research at Blue Zoo Aquatics and author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Saltwater Aquariums (Alpha 2009). This is primarily due to the fact that most triggers in the Xanthichthys genus are deep water fish, with one awesome exception: the blue jaw trigger."
Many consider the blue jaw triggerfish (X. auromarginatus) the most docile and reef-safe of all triggers. Because the blue jaw triggerfish feeds primarily on zooplankton in the water column, it is less likely to harass sessile invertebrates, although it may harass other zooplanktavores such as chromis or cardinals. The blue jaw triggerfish is also sexually dichromic (males and females look different) and can be kept in pairs in large systems making for an impressive display.
"[Blue jaw triggerfish] have marvelous personalities, can be paired up easily in captivity and will be 'mostly' model citizens in just about any reef tank," says Martin. "You can purchase a pair for less than $120.00, which is a steal considering the most sought after Xanthichthys trigger, the gold back (X. caeruleolineatus), can cost almost $1000.00 just for the male!"
Best Melichthys Triggerfishes for the Reef Tank
Species from the genus Melichthys are also good candidates for a reef tank. Although this fish gets significantly larger than the blue jaw triggerfish (up to 20 inches), the Hawaiian black triggerfish (M. niger) is considered by many an excellent choice for the large reef system. Like the blue jaw and the hawaiian black, the pink-tail triggerfish (M. vidua) is yet another triggerfish often considered reef-safe. While they are all zooplanktavores, both the Hawaiian black and the pink-tail triggerfish are anecdotally more likely to nip at sessile vertebrates than the blue jaw. In particular, the pink-tail triggerfish is known to eat ornamental sponges.
Aggressive Behavior
While it is heartily recommended to keep one of the triggerfishes described here in an appropriately-sized reef tank, it should be noted that all triggerfish are capable of aggressive behavior that can lay waste to other fishes and invertebrates. Despite this fact, many hobbyists can not resist the lure of these beautiful, intelligent and personable fishes. With a little research and good husbandry practices, excellent results should be expected by the reef aquarist who acquires species from the genera Xanthichthys and Melichthys.
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