Black Triggerfish

This handsome triggerfish is one of the most sociable of the clan. Because of its hardiness and more passive disposition, this species is a great choice for the beginning aquarist, and community tanks. It can be kept with peaceful fishes, of equal-size or larger, or with more aggressive fishes that are smaller than it is. Most specimens collected for the trade are on the large side; if you want a small one, you should consider other triggers unless you can wait forever. Unlike some of its cousins, this fish is less likely to rearrange the aquarium decor or dig holes in the substrate. It can be shy when initially introduced to aquarium, but will become quite tame in time.

Latin Name: Melicthys niger

Common Name: Black Trigger

Also known as: Black Durgeon Trigger

Origin: Indo Pacific

Minimum Aquarium Size: 75 Gallon

Diet and Feeding: Meaty foods and frozen preparations for herbivores. Feed young individuals several times a day.

Difficulty: 5 (5=Easy 1=Difficult)

Reef Compatibility: One of the few triggers for the kept in the reef aquarium. Usually ignore sessile invertebrates, may eat ornamental shrimp.

Related Fish: