Range: Indo-Pacific Ocean: Red Sea to Durban South Africa, Marquesas and Society Islands, southern Japan, Great Barrier Reef, New Caledonia

Size: Up to 20 in (50 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal shallow inshore waters to outer reef drop-offs at depths of 30 to 100 feet (9 – 30 m) and reaches a length of about 20 inches (50 cm) in the wild.

General Husbandry: Has a temperature range of 72 - 81°F (22 – 27°C). They are very hardy and like angelfish and surgeonfishes, have laterally compressed bodies with small mouths. Yet have strong jaws and chisel-like teeth for crushing hard-shelled prey.

Their common name comes from their ability to lock and unlock their first dorsal fin. This fin is normally retracted and carried in a groove on the upper body. When frightened, the fish will dart into a crevice or branch of coral and raise this trigger-like fin, securely locking itself into its place of protection. They also have a unique form of swimming where the anal and dorsal fins are used for most of their movement. However, when bursts of speed are needed, they use rapid movements of the tail.

They sleep/rest on rock ledges, amongst coral branches and/or in caves and crevices. They are quite intelligent and can almost be considered a pet similar to a dog or cat. Should their diet be inadequate, they tend to lose their vivid colors, yet they will normally be paler when resting during nighttime. They should also be housed with small pieces of seashells since they like to bite on them or turn them over in the search of prey. Better these shells than other aquarium decor. It also helps keep their teeth worn-down, which actually could get too long and pointed and cause them some difficulty in feeding.

Diet consists of small fishes, starfishes, crabs, and shrimp, both in the wild and in aquariums. They are especially fond of urchins, and in fact, their eyes are set high up on their body to protect them urchin spines. Requires a meaty diet, including fortified brine shrimp, mysis, chopped fish, shrimp, squid, and clam flesh, and/or meaty type frozen carnivore foods with two or three feedings per day. This is my favorite triggerfish and some people say they are reef safe, yet, that’s not a proven fact. Small fish, ornamental shrimp, and worms such as feather dusters are at risk! Requires an aquarium of 75 gallons or larger. Most are better kept with large moray eels, snappers, angelfish, tangs or their own family members. Definitely a fish with a personality!

Aquarium Suitability: * & * *