Blue Jaw Triggerfish

Male Blue Jaw Trigger

Female Blue Jaw Trigger

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: Xanthicthys auromarginatus

Common Name: Bluejaw Trigger

Also known as: Bluechin Trigger, Bluejaw Trigger, Guilded Triggerfish

Origin: Indo Pacific

Minimum Aquarium Size: 55 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: Members of this genus can be kept in the reef aquarium. Usually ignores shrimps, etc., but larger specimens may eat them.

Related Fish: Crosshatch Trigger, Goldenback Trigger, Sargassum Triggerfish