Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys vidua)

Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys vidua) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Red-Tailed Triggerfish are found throughout Indo Pacific waters. Their range extends from East Africa eastward through the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef in northwestern to central Australia, to the Hawaiian and Tuamotu islands westward through Polynesia, Micronesia, the Philippines, and the East Indies, and north to southern Japan.

Pinktail Triggerfish are frequently encountered in loose groups grazing on algae, sponges, crustaceans, detritus, small fish and octopuses at depts from 6 to over 190 feet where strong currents abide the on coral rich seaward reefs. They can be found anywhere there is an abundance of invertebrates.

Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys vidua)

Pinktail Triggerfish have a dark (almost black), emerald green body with yellow accents at the face, translucent pinkish white dorsal and anal fins that are edged with dark bands, and yellowish colored pectoral fins. The caudal fin is a bright pink to pinkish white color, hence its common name. Visually, there is no sexual difference between males and females.

Pinktail Triggerfish require a large established FOWLR or reef tank of at least 180 gallon capacity with a sandy or coralline substrate and plenty of

arranged into caves, crevices and overhangs for them to hide among. Like all triggerfish, they need plenty of free swimming space.

Pinktail Triggerfish are a shy, inquisitive, peaceful species that become quite docile and outgoing over time.   Although they are seldom aggressive toward tank mates of the same size, they will eat much smaller fish. If more than one specimen is being housed in a large system, it is best to add a single male with several females at the same time.

Melichthys vidua are considered reef safe, however, they enjoy rearranging live rock and sometimes corals in their tank.   Although Sessile invertebrates are largely ignored, they should definitely not be housed with snails, crabs, ornamental shrimp, and tiny or very shy fish.

Because Pinktail Triggerfish eat a great deal and are quite messy, they require a good filtration system with adequate protein skimming and a wave maker for moderately strong water movement.

Red-Tailed Triggerfish have rarely been successfully bred in an aquarium environment.

In their natural environment, Melichthys vidua pair up and build nests to deposit their eggs.   Males and females guard their eggs against predators until the larvae are hatched out.   Due to lack of a sufficient food source, triggerfish larvae bred in captivity will normally not survive, however, a new type of food has recently been developed for Triggerfish larvae that is expected to make aquarium breeding of these species more successful.

In the wild, Pinktail Triggerfish are voracious eaters that feed on algae, detritus, crustaceans, octopuses, sponges, small fish, and almost any food.

In an aquarium environment, they need a varied diet of meaty foods including fresh or frozen Mysis shrimp, squid, clams, krill, sponge, small fish, vitamin and Spirulina enriched brine shrimp, and harder foods like shelled shrimp or snails to help wear down their teeth. Feeding small portions two to three times daily is recommended.

Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys vidua) are available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of online suppliers and specialty fish shops at prices that vary according to size and area of collection.

Approximate purchase sizes: Small: 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″; Small/Medium: 2-1/2″ to 3″; Medium 3″ to 4″; Medium/Large: 4″ to 5″; Large 5″ to 7″; XLarge: 7″ or Larger

Prices for small specimens start at around $149.99 for Indonesian specimens and increase to over $269.99 for extra large specimens.

Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys vidua)

Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 15″
Color Form: Green, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Polynesia, Micronesia, the Philippines, East Indies, Africa
Family: Balistidae
Lifespan: Over 10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate