Zoster Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster)

Zoster Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Brown and White Butterflyfish, Black Pyramid Butterflyfish, or Brushtooth Butterflyfish are widespread throughout tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean.

Their range extends from the east coast of Africa and Oman to the Andaman Sea and western Sumatra and south western Java, Indonesia and from India to Mauritius.

Zoster Butterflyfish are most often encountered swimming in large schools feeding on zooplankton and algae along the outer reef slopes of their range at depths from 9 to 140 feet.

Zoster Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster)

Zoster Butterflyfish have a laterally compressed, round body with a short snout. A broad, white trapezoid shaped band covers the middle of the black body. The black dorsal fin is intersected by yellow on the tips of the white band. The pectoral, pelvic, and caudal fins are white.

The intensity of the brown to black areas on this fish can vary depending on the time of day, their mood, etc.

The Zoster Butterflyfish a gregarious species that is best housed in small schools in either a FOWLR or established reef tank of at least 150 gallon capacity with a sand or coralline gravel substrate, plenty of live rock arranged into crevices, caves, and overhangs for the fish to graze on and hide among, and lots of free swimming space.

Black Pyramid Butterflyfish require thoroughly filtered, well-oxygenated water, with areas of brisk water movement. An excellent filtration system, protein skimmer, and wave maker or power head is highly recommended.

When adding a group, it is best to select medium size Hemitaurichthys zoster between 3″ to 4.5″ in length and add them into the tank at the same time. Other peaceful tankmates can be added after the Zoster Butterflyfish have established their territories.

Although well fed Zoster Butterflyfish are considered reef safe, they have been known to pick on inverts, xenia, and other soft corals. They are best kept in reef environments with some of the more noxious soft corals.

They do well in a FOWLR aquarium with other shy, peaceful species but use caution when housing them with other butterflyfish species.

Zoster Butterflyfish have not been bred in an aquarium environment.

In their natural habitat, they form distinct pairs and after a short mating ritual, scatter their eggs in open water.   The larvae float as plankton and remain pelagic until they develop into juveniles.

In the wild, Brown and White Butterflyfish are zooplanktivores. In an aquarium environment, they will eat a variety of live of frozen foods like plankton, baby brine shrimp, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, Angel & Butterfly Mix, and finely chopped krill. Supplements of freeze dried foods containing algae and dried algae should also be provided. Feeding small amounts several times daily is recommended.

Many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts like to install refugiums under the aquarium to culture copepod colonies for a constant supply of live foods.

Zoster Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster)are occasionally 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″ to 2-1/4″; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 4-1/2″; XLarge: 4-1/2″ or larger

Currently prices for small specimens start at around $99.99 for small Sri Lanka specimens, to $168.99 for large specimens.

Zoster Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys zoster)

Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR or Reef
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 7 ″
Color Form: Black, Brown, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Indian Ocean
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: up to 10 Years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus)

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Longnose Butterflyfish or Forceps Butterflyfish is

common throughout tropical Indo Pacific waters.   Its range in the Indo Pacific extends from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian and Easter Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island and throughout Micronesia. In the Eastern Pacific, its range extends from southern Baja California, Mexico to the Galapagos and Revillagigedo Islands.

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish are a monogamous, benthopelagic species that can be encountered alone, in pairs, or in small groups of up to 5 individuals in the lagoons and exposed seaward reefs of their range at depths from 3 to over 475 feet, where they feed on a variety of hydroids, fish eggs, small crustaceans especially the tube feet of echinoderms, pedicilaria of sea urchins, and polychaete tentacles.

Adult Forcipiger flavissimus are frequently found paired together occupying their territory of the reef that they staked out for themselves.

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus)

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish have a laterally compressed, bright yellow body that extends from the back of the head to the caudal peduncle, and a thin, elongated snout. The top half of the head extending to about half way through the eye is black; the bottom half is a silvery white color. The dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins are predominantly yellow with transparent edges and the caudal fin is transparent. They have a black eye spot located just below the caudal peduncle, on the anal fin.

The Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus) is easily misidentified as the Big Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger longirostris).

Except for the longer nose, the black cluster of dots on the chest, and the black head color extending to cover the entire eye of Forcipiger longirostris, they are almost identical.

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish are active swimmers and best housed in a well established reef or FOWLR aquarium of at least 125 gallon capacity with a sand or fine gravel substrate, plenty of mature live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to hide and graze among, and lots of free swimming space.

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish are a peaceful species that get along well with other peaceful species.  They are very territorial with conspecifics and similar looking species but are usually peaceful with adequate tank space.

Although Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish are considered reef safe, they may nip at coral polyps and sessile invertebrates. We recommend not keeping them with sessile invertebrates.

Forcipiger flavissimus have not been successfully bred in an aquarium environment.   They form monogamous pairs that spawn in relation to the lunar cycles. Their small, spherical, buoyant eggs hatch out in 28 to 30 hours.   Like the Margined Butterflyfish, a bony plate forms over the head area of the larvae to protect the from predation. The larvae remain pelagic for quite a long while before they develop into juvenile fry which is why there are no reported cases of breeding by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.

In their natural habitat, Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish feed on a variety of benthic organisms including small crustaceans, hydroids, fish eggs, the tube feet of echinoderms, the pedicilaria of sea urchins, and polychaete tentacles. In an aquarium environment, they are not finicky eaters and will accept a wide variety of meaty foods like frozen Mysis shrimp, chopped shrimp, chopped clam, crustacean meat, and frozen preparations.

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus) are readily 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: 2″ to 3-1/4″; Medium:3-1/4″ to 4-1/2″; Large: 4-1/2″ to 5-1/2″; XLarge: 5-1/2″ to 6-1/2″

Currently prices for small specimens start at around $79.99 for small Sri Lanka specimens, to $109.99 for medium specimens.

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish (Forcipiger flavissimus)

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR or Reef
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 8.7 ″
Color Form: Black, White, Yellow, Silver
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Indo and Eastern Pacific
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: 5 to 10 Years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Multicolor Angelfish (Centropyge multicolor)

The Multicolor Angelfish (Centropyge multicolor) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Multicolor Pygmy Angelfish, Pastel Pygmy Angelfish, Pearlback Angelfish, or Many Colored Angelfish is native to many of the island groups in the Western and Central Pacific Oceans.

Their range extends from Palau; the Caroline Islands in both the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau, Guam, Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Gilbert Islands in Kiribati, Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and the Society Islands in French Polynesia.

Multicolor Angelfish are a shy, benthopelagic species that are normally encountered in small groups of 3 to 7 individuals along the outer reef slopes of their range among dense coral growths and patches of rubble at depths between 60 to 300 feet where they graze on filamentous algae and small benthic animals.   They favor coral rich reefs where they can shelter among the intricate coral formations.

Multicolor Angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites that can change from a female to a male when no male is present in a small group or harem.

Multicolor Angelfish (Centropyge multicolor)

Adult Multicolor Angelfish have an orange to pale peach colored lower body with an electric blue area on top of the head behind the eyes, dotted with black spots.   The dorsal and anal fins are an electric blue color, with a bright yellow caudal fin. The upper half of the body to the caudal fin is colored silvery white.   There are no obvious ways to sex adults.

Juvenile Multicolor Angelfish have orange and blue stripes that span their bodies. As they mature, the stripes mutate into a beautiful tapestry of yellow, orange, and blue.

Multicolor Angelfish are best housed in a mature reef or FOWLR aquarium of at least 75 gallon capacity with a fine crushed gravel or sand substrate, plenty of live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to graze on and hide among and a lot of free swimming space.

Centropyge multicolor have a preference for sheltering among coral colonies and seem to coexist with other reef dwellers however, because they occasionally nip at soft and stony polyp corals, sessile invertebrates, and clam mantles, they are considered reef safe with caution.

Like other deeper water angelfish species, they require excellent water quality with stable water conditions and a moderate amount of water movement. A quality protein skimmer and wave maker is recommended to replicate these conditions.

Multicolor Angelfish can be somewhat aggressive towards other angelfish but do well with other peaceful species like Yellow Tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens), Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto), Clownfish (Amphiprion spp.), Firefish (Nemateleotris spp.), and other dwarf angelfish species like the Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus).

Although Multicolor Angelfish have been bred in an aquarium environment, raising the larvae to juveniles is challenging.

In the wild, a single male will oversee a harem of several females. Spawning usually occurs at dusk and the eggs are left to float in the water column.

In the wild, Multicolor Angelfish feed on algae, detritus and small benthic animals. In a reef tank or an aquarium with plenty of aged live rock, they will accept a wide range of angelfish preparations. Their diet should include a balance of spirulina, marine algae, seaweed, high quality omnivore pellets, frozen angelfish preparations, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and small crustaceans to mimic their natural diet and stimulate their foraging instincts. Small portions offered 3 or 4 times a day are recommended.

Multicolor Angelfish (Centropyge multicolor) are occasionally available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts through aquaculture, however, the majority of specimens are collected from the wild.   A variety of online sources and specialty retail shops carry them on special order at prices ranging from $110.99 to $275.99 depending on size and area of collection.

Multicolor Angelfish (Centropyge multicolor)

Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOWLR or Reef with caution
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 75°F to 82°F, 8 to 12 dGH , pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3.5″
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Silver, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef Safe with caution
Origin: Western and Central Pacific
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Saddleback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium)

Saddleback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Saddled Butterflyfish or Saddle Butterflyfish is found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans from Sri Lanka and the Cocos-Keeling Islands to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan, south to Rowley Shoals and New South Wales in Australia.

Adult Saddleback Butterflyfish are usually encountered singly, in pairs, and in small groups in the coral rich lagoons and seaward reefs of their range at depths to over 130 feet where they feed on coral polyps, filamentous algae, small invertebrates, and fish eggs.

Juvenile Saddled Butterflyfish are more solitary and are usually encountered singly in shallower inshore waters.

Saddleback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium) along with the Lined Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lineolatus) are giants among their genus growing to almost 12 inches in length. Both benthopelagic species that look more like angelfish than their butterflyfish cousins.

Saddleback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium)

Saddleback Butterflyfish have a light yellowish gray body color with a large black saddle like blotch edged with a broad white band below, on the back . They have several wavy horizontal light blue gray lines that start at the lateral area and progress below the body. The mouth, lower cheek, throat, and lower outline of the ventral fin is a bright yellow, and the translucent caudal fin is edged in yellow. Adults have a trailing filament that extends from the rear of the dorsal fin.

Saddleback Butterflyfish do best in a mature FOWLR aquarium of at least 150 gallon capacity with a crushed coralline or sand substrate, good amounts of live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to hide among and plenty of free swimming space.   This species is NOT reef safe and will eat most species of stony corals, a few soft corals, and any invertebrates that inhabit the live rock in the tank.

Because Chaetodon ephippium are sensitive to fluctuations in water quality; excellent water quality is a must. An efficient filtration system, protein skimmer, and wave maker is recommended to keep them healthy.

Saddleback Butterflyfish should not be housed with other butterflyfish species unless they are introduced as a mated pair. They get along with other peaceful fish of similar size and temperament in the same tank, but will usually become aggressive towards other Butterflies with a similar pattern or color, especially when housed in smaller aquariums.

Saddled Butterflyfish have not been bred in an aquarium environment.

Saddled Butterflyfish form pairs during breeding and are believed to be monogamous. Pairs will normally spawn in the water column during the day. The eggs hatch out into active larvae at night. Both social and obligate mating has been observed in their natural environment in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.

In their natural habitat, Saddleback Butterflyfish feed on a variety of soft and stony corals, filamentous algae, fish eggs, and small invertebrates. In an aquarium environment, they should be provided a varied, balanced diet of fresh and frozen meaty foods like Mysis Shrimp, Cyclop-eeze, Zooplankton, chopped krill, clams, mussels, Angelfish preparations, flake foods containing Spirulina or Nori, and high quality marine omnivore pellets. Feeding small portions several times a day is recommended.

Saddleback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium) are occasionally 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 for Chaetodon ephippium: Small: 1-1/2″ to 2-1/4″; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3 1/2″; Large: 3 1/2″ to 4 1/2″; XLarge 4 1/2″ to 6″

Currently retail prices for Indonesian specimens start at around $99.99 for medium size specimens.

Saddleback Butterflyfish (Chaetodon ephippium)

Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 72°F to 79°F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 11.8″
Color Form: Black, Blue, Orange, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Not reef compatable
Origin: Indo Pacific
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Margined Butterfly (Chelmon marginalis)

The Margined Butterfly (Chelmon marginalis) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Western Beaked Butterflyfish, Willemawillum, Three-Stripe Butterflyfish, Marginalis Butterflyfish, and Margined Coralfish is endemic to Australia and ranges from the Houtman Abrolhos in Western Australia, around the coasts of northern Australia to the northern Great Barrier Reef, and the reefs in the Coral Sea off Queensland, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam.

The Margined Butterfly is a solitary species that is usually encountered alone, or in pairs along the outer slopes, drop offs, and islands of their range on coral and rock reefs where they prey on crabs, shrimp, polychaetes, and other benthic invertebrates.

Margined Coralfish are found in shallower waters around the islands, as well as on the deeper drop offs along the outer slopes at depths to over 100 feet.

Margined Butterfly (Chelmon marginalis)

The Margined Butterfly has a silvery white body with two slender, vertical orange bars edged in black at the front part of the body, and a wide yellowish or yellowish orange band edged in black at the caudal peduncle. The first bar at the head intersects the eye, and the second wider bar is an extension from the edging on top of the dorsal fin, down in front of the pectoral fins and into the pelvic fins which have a splash of yellow.

Chelmon marginalis closely resemble Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) without the mid body stripe, and the Muelleri Butterflyfish (Chelmon muelleri).

Juvenile Chelmon marginalis have an ocellus on their dorsal fin and a posterior bar that

Juvenile Margined Butterfly (Chelmon marginalis)

disappears as the fish mature into adults.   Adults lack the false eyespot.

The Margined Butterfly can be housed singly, in pairs, or in small groups if all specimens are introduced at the same time, in a mature FOWLR aquarium of at least 125 gallon capacity with a coralline gravel or sand substrate, large amounts of live rock arranged into crevices, caves, and overhangs for them to hide and graze among, and plenty of free swimming space.

Because Margined Butterfly pick on Tridacna clam mantles, corals, tubeworms, and eat Aiptasia, a variety of benthic invertebrates, crustaceans, the heads of feather dusters, some soft corals, and will decimate polychaete worm populations; they are not considered reef safe.

Like Chelmon rostratus, Chelmon marginalis are sensitive to changes in water quality and require an efficient filtration system, protein skimmer, and wave maker to simulate their turbid environment.   They prefer temperatures in the 73-81° F range.

Margined Butterfly are generally peaceful however when housed singly or as a pair, they will battle over their territory with others of the same genus.

They can be housed with other peaceful species including Chromis, Cardinals (Pajama Cardinal), Clownfish, Damselfish, Firefish, Dottybacks, Gobies, and Dwarf Angelfish like the Bicolor Angel.

Margined Coralfish have not been bred in an aquarium environment.

In the wild, they form up into pairs during breeding.  Eggs are deposited into the water column by the female with the male immediately fertilizing them. The small, buoyant eggs hatch out into larvae called thoilchyths that have a bony plate over the head to protect them from predators. They remain pelagic until fully developed into juveniles.

In their natural habitat, Margined Butterfly are primarily carnivores that prey on benthic invertebrates such as crabs, shrimps, tubeworms, soft corals and polychaetes.

In an aquarium environment, they require a varied diet of live and frozen meaty foods including live fortified Brine and Mysis shrimp, live black worms (Lumbriculus variegatus), sessile invertebrates, live clam, black mussels, Angelfish preparations, sponge based marine preparations, flake foods containing Spirulina or Nori, and high quality marine omnivore pellets.

Margined Butterfly (Chelmon marginalis) are rarely seen in the aquarium trade.  They are occasionally available online from waiting lists to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of suppliers and specialty fish shops at prices that vary according to size and area of collection.

Currently waiting list prices start at around $719.00 for 4.75″ specimens, to over $899.99 for larger Australian specimens.

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 78° to 83 °F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 7″
Color Form: White, Black, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Australia, Great Barrier Reef Queensland
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Madagascar Butterflyfish (Chaetodon madagaskariensis)

Madagascar Butterflyfish (Chaetodon madagaskariensis) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Seychelles Butterflyfish, Madagascar Pearlscale Butterfly Fish, or Indian Ocean Chevron Butterflyfish is found in the Indian Ocean from eastern Africa, to as far south as Port Elizabeth in South Africa; east to the Australian territories of Christmas Island and Cocos Keeling Islands, and north to Sri Lanka.

Madagascar Butterflyfish are a shy species that are mostly found alone and in pairs over the coral rich seaward reefs of their range at depths from 30, to over 390 feet.

Off the coast of mainland Tanzania, lone Seychelles Butterflyfish are frequently observed by divers swimming over the tops corals in areas with lush growths, at depths from 60 to 120 feet  feeding on stony and soft coral polyps, phytoplankton, filamentous algae, polychaeta worms, other cnidarians, and a variety of benthic invertebrates.

Madagascar Butterflyfish are a shy species that are difficult to approach at any depth.   When they encounter a diver, they will usually swim off into thick growths of branched corals for shelter and protection.

Madagascar Butterflyfish (Chaetodon madagaskariensis)

Adult Madagascar Butterflyfish have a silvery white head and pale grey white body color, with 5 to 7 dark grey chevron lines along the sides that are partly broken into spots, a broad copper orange to reddish orange band across the rear of the body, a black vertical bar, outlined with white through the eye, and a white edged black spot on the forehead.    There is a pronounced thin black line on the rear portion of the dorsal and anal fins bordered by a thicker white line, and the tail is copper red to orange with a white band behind the caudal peduncle and the outer edge of the tail.

The poster section of the body, and the rear dorsal and anal fins of juvenile Seychelles Butterflyfish is colored yellow, instead of the reddish orange color that distinguishes adults.

Although Madagascar Butterflyfish (Chaetodon madagaskariensis), Mertensii Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mertensii), and Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus) are often misidentified; both Chaetodon madagaskariensis and Chaetodon mertensii, which many believe to be the same species, have larger orange to reddish orange areas at their posteriors than Chaetodon xanthurus, which is narrower and more crescent shaped.

Madagascar Butterflyfish are not reef safe and should be kept in a mature FOWLR tank of at least 100 gallon capacity with a fine crushed coral or sand substrate, large amounts of mature live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to graze on and hide among, and plenty of free swimming space.    They thrive in mature aquariums where the fish can forage on micro and macroalgae growths on the live rock.

This species requires scrupulous attention to water quality and requires a good filtration system, efficient protein skimming, a wave maker or power head for water movement, and regular water changes to maintain their well being.

Because Madagascar Butterflyfish inhabit the mature reef ecosystems of stony reef building corals that they feed on, they are NOT REEF SAFE in any aquarium with live corals.

Seychelles Butterflyfish are a peaceful species that can be territorial toward conspecifics and Butterfly Fishes of similar appearance.   They can be housed with butterfly fishes of dissimilar appearance in large tanks, especially when introduced at the same time.

Madagascar Butterflyfish do best with other peaceful species from other Families of the same or smaller size.

Madagascar Butterflyfish have not been successfully bred in an aquarium environment.

In their natural habitat, Chaetodon madagaskariensis are open water spawners that do not form monogamous pairs.   They apparently only form into pairs when actual breeding is taking place.   Spawning is initiated when the female ripens with eggs.   The female scatters her eggs into the water column where the male fertilizes them.   The small, spherical eggs that have a drop of oil in them which makes them buoyant, hatch in 28 to 30 hours.   The larvae, called thoilchyths, have a bony plate over the head and are pelagic for quite a while before developing into juveniles. Replicating this phase of their development is why breeding Madagascar Butterflyfish in an aquarium environment is extremely difficult.

In the wild, Madagascar Butterflyfish feed on coral polyps, phytoplankton, polychaete worms, various invertebrates, and filamentous algae.

In an aquarium environment, they can be picky eaters that should initially be fed a meaty diet of live fortified brine shrimp or live black worms (Lumbriculus variegatus) until they begin to eat regularly.

Once they are eating regularly, they can be fed a varied diet of fresh or frozen meaty foods such as Mysis Shrimp, Cyclop-eeze, Zooplankton, chopped krill, clams, mussels, Angelfish preparations, sponge based marine preparations, flake foods containing Spirulina or Nori, and high quality marine omnivore pellets. Offer small portions several times daily.

Madagascar Butterflyfish (Chaetodon madagaskariensis) are occasionally available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of online suppliers and specialty fish shops at prices that vary according to size, area of collection, and correct identification of the species.

Approximate purchase sizes for Chaetodon madagaskariensis: Small: < 2.25″ to Large: 3.5″ – 4.75″

Currently waiting list prices for Seychelles specimens start at around $90.99 for small specimens, to $168.99 or more for large specimens.

Madagascar Butterflyfish (Chaetodon madagaskariensis)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 77°F – 81°F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.5, sg 1.020-1.026
Max size: 6″
Color Form: White, Black, Red, Orange
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Not Reef Safe
Origin: Indo Pacific
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: Over 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)

Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Beaked Butterflyfish, Beaked Coralfish, or Orange Stripe Butterfly are found in the Western Pacific from Andaman Sea to the Ryukyu Islands, and Australia.

Copperband Butterflyfish are usually encountered as single fish or in pairs in estuaries, silty inner reefs, and rocky shorelines of the coral reefs of their range, at depths to 85 feet where they are often seen feeding on plankton, worms, sea anemones, shrimp, clams, and sponges.

Although Copperband Butterflyfish are solitary, shy, and peaceful; they will aggressively defend their territories against any perceived threat.  Unmated Copperband Butterflyfish have no problem living solitary lives on the reef.

Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)

Copperband Butterflyfish have a pearlescent silvery white body color with black edged, orange gold vertical bands, a false black eyespot on the upper rear of the dorsal fin, a white edged black vertical band on the caudal peduncle, and a long, narrow, nose and mouth. The light yellow orange and white pectoral fins have a tinge of yellow, with a translucent caudal fin. Males and females cannot be visually distinguished by size or color.

Copperband Butterflyfish are best housed in a mature reef or FOWLR aquarium of at least 125 gallon capacity with a deep Oolitic Aragonite or coralline sand substrate, plenty of aged live rock arranged into crevices, caves, and overhangs for them to graze on and hide among, and plenty of free swimming space.

Chelmon rostratus are unbelievably sensitive to changes in water quality. Fluctuations in specific gravity, pH, water hardness, and temperature will very quickly adversely affect the health of the fish.   An efficient filtration system, protein skimmer, and power head or wave maker to provide a moderate, steady current and oxygenate the water is required to keep the fish healthy.   Changing about 10% of the tank volume water every two weeks is also recommended for this species.

Although Copperband Butterflyfish are considered reef safe and will generally not eat corals; some tropical fish keeping enthusiasts have reported them nipping at small polyp stony corals (SPS) and occasionally picking on coral polyps. They will search for food in between the coral polyps with their long snouts which could potentially damage delicate corals.

Chelmon rostratus are fond of picking on invertebrates, especially anemones and feather dusters.   They relish eating Aiptasia, or glass anemones, and are often specifically introduced into reef tanks to control them.  Any decorative shrimps, clams, mollusks, or small invertebrates you may have in your reef tank could also be targeted.

Copperband Butterflyfish thrive in very large reef tanks and in peaceful FOWLR community tanks provided they are not kept with conspecifics or similar butterflyfish.   They do not mix well with others of the same species.

Friendly, small to medium sized species that do not compete with Copperband Butterflyfish for food make good tankmates.

The following species make excellent tankmates for your Copperband Butterflyfish:

Blue Green and like type Chromis
Cardinals (Pajama Cardinal)
Clownfish
Damselfish
Dartfish (Fire Dartfish)
Dottybacks
Dragonets (Mandarin Goby)
Dwarf Angelfish like (Bicolor Angel)
Gobies

Including larger, more predatory species with Copperband Butterflyfish should be avoided, or closely monitored.   When they become stressed, cold, or sick they become either aggressive or listless and may stop eating.

Copperband Butterflyfish are extremely difficult to breed in an aquarium environment for a number of reasons.

Because males and females are virtually impossible to sex; establishing a mated pair is rarely accomplished.   Copperband Butterflyfish can fight to the death when housed with conspecifics and when attempting to select a pair; the fish can hurt or kill each other if they are not constantly monitored.   Should you luck out and establish a breeding pair, it is extremely rare for them to successfully lay and hatch out their eggs.   Additionally, feeding the young fry and juveniles is extremely difficult.  Most, if not all fry will starve to death.

In their natural environment on the reefs, Copperband Butterflyfish are monogamous and form up into pairs during breeding.   After a sort mating ritual, the female will deposit her eggs on a rocky surface and the male will shimmy over them to fertilize them.   Both parents aggressively defend their brood from predators.   The tiny hatched out fry have a unique plating that protect them from predators.

In their natural habitat, Copperband Butterflyfish eat plankton, worms, sea anemones, shrimp, and sponges.

When initially introduced into an aquarium environment, they often will either not eat or be picky eaters that must be enticed to eat.

Live brine shrimp, blackworms, frozen Mysis shrimp or worms tucked into a piece of live rock, or a crushed live clam in its shell will often get the fish eating.   Invasive populations of Aiptasia in your tank can often get the fish feeding.

Once the fish is eating, they should be fed a high protein flake food or pellet supplement along with live or frozen meaty foods like Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, clams, bloodworms, and chopped seafoods. Small portions should be fed several times a day, but refrain from overfeeding as it can stress out their digestive system. Experiment with different types of food until you find what the fish will readily accept.

Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) are readily 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″ to 2-1/2″; Medium: 2-1/2″ to 4-1/4″; Large: 4-1/4″ to 5″; Extra Large: 5″ to 6-1/2″

Currently prices for small specimens start at around $69.99 for small Indonesian specimens, up to $499.99 for large specimens.

Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus)

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR or Reef
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 75°F to 79°F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 8″
Color Form: White, Black, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Indo Pacific
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Mertensii Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mertensii)

Mertensii Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mertensii) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Chaetodon mertensii, the Atoll Butterflyfish, Yellowback Butterflyfish, Orangetail Butterflyfish, Crowned Pearlyscale Butterflyfish, Merten’s coralfish. and Merten’s Butterflyfish is found in the western Pacific Ocean, East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, The Red Sea, and Indonesia.

The Mertensii Butterflyfish was first discovered in the Kermadec Islands Marine Reserve north of New Zealand in 2015 and has a range that extends from the Ryukyu Islands to the Philippines, all the way to Lord Howe Island, Rapa Iti, and the Tuamotus.

Mertensii Butterflyfish are encountered alone, in pairs, and loose groups in the deep lagoons and seaward reefs of their range in depths from 30 to over 390 feet where they feed on algae, corals, tubeworms, and small benthic invertebrates.

Mertensii Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mertensii)

Mertensii Butterflyfish have a silvery white body color, with 5 to 7 dark gray chevron shaped bands on along the sides. A black vertical bar, outlined in white, runs interrupted through the eye and over the nape at the head.   A broad yellow to orange band extends from the top of the dorsal fin to the anal fin at the posterior of the body.   The tail is yellow or orange with the caudal peduncle and outer edge of the tail colored white.

Except for the yellower hind parts and the continuous head band; Chaetodon mertensii look almost identical to the Seychelles Butterflyfish (Chaetodon madagaskariensis).

Similar species include the Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus) and closely related Eritrean (Chaetodon paucifasciatus).

Although  Mertensii Butterflyfish can be housed in a mature reef tank with caution; they are better housed in a well established FOWLR aquarium of at least 100 gallon capacity with a fine crushed coral or sand substrate, large amounts of mature live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to graze on and hide among, and plenty of free swimming space.   They thrive in mature aquariums where the fish can forage on mature live rock growths.

This species requires a good filtration system, efficient protein skimming, a wave maker for water movement, and possibly a chiller to help maintain their cooler water requirements.

Like Chaetodon xanthurus, Mertensii Butterflyfish feed on several species of hard and soft corals, tubeworms, bristle worms, small invertebrates and are not considered reef safe.

Many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts with very large reef tanks have been successfully keeping them with some of the more noxious, unpalatable soft corals,  despite them occasionally nipping or nibbling on the polyps of SPS corals like Zoanthus, some LPS coral species, Tridacna clams, Aiptasia anemones, tubeworms, bristleworms, and smaller benthic invertebrates.

Mertensii Butterflyfish tankmates should be of the same size and peaceful in nature to minimize aggressive behavior.

Mertensii Butterflyfish may become territorial towards similar patterned or butterfly species of the same color, particularly when kept in smaller tanks.   When simultaneously introduced into large mature aquariums as juveniles,  they will normally coexist peacefully with other inhabitants however, its usually not a good idea to mix butterflyfish species of the same genus.

Mertensii Butterflyfish will often refuse to eat or venture out of the protection of their live rock crannies when kept with more belligerent species in FOWLR tanks.   In peaceful surroundings, they acclimate well and will almost always immediately begin to eat.

Compatible species include Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni), Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica), Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto), Clownfish (Amphiprioninae), and Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis).

In the wild, Mertensii Butterflyfish form distinct pairs and scatter their eggs in open water.   They have not been successfully bred in an aquarium environment.

In their natural habitat, Mertensii Butterflyfish feed on algae, soft corals, SPS and LPS corals polyps, gorgonians, tubeworms, and small benthic invertebrates.

In an aquarium environment, the Mertensii Butterflyfish diet should consist of a variety of live, frozen, or freeze dried foods that include prepared foods rich in algae, high quality marine flakes, omnivore pellets, spirulina, Zooplankton, chopped krill, clams, mussels, Mysis shrimp, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp.   Feed small portions several times daily.

Mertensii Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mertensii) are available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of online suppliers and specialty fish shops at prices that vary according to size, area of collection, and correct identification of the species.

The three most often misidentified species are listed below:  

Chaetodon mertensii and Chaetodon madagaskariensis, believed by many to be the same species; both have a larger orange area than Chaetodon xanturus.

Eritrean butterflyfish (Chaetodon paucifascatious) which are identified by the reddish area, which in the other two is orange.

The yellow to orange area of Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus) that is smaller than, and more moon shaped than the orange area of Mertensii Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mertensii).

Approximate purchase size for Mertensii Butterflyfish:  Small: 1-1/2″ to 2-1/4″; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 4-1/2″

Currently prices for small Fiji specimens start at around $69.99 for small specimens, to $110.00 or more for large specimens.

Mertensii Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mertensii)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 74-80° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 5.2″
Color Form: White, Black, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Indo Pacific
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: Over 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus)

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Yellow Tailed Butterflyfish, Crosshatch Butterflyfish or Philippines Chevron Butterflyfish is central Indo-Pacific region from Indonesia and the Philippines north to the Ryukyu Islands.

Pearlscale Butterflyfish can be encountered alone, in pairs, and in small groups along drop offs in the clear, coastal outer reef slopes of their range, usually around areas colonized with rich growths of Acropora staghorn corals, at depths from 20 to over 160 feet where they feed on various algae, soft coral polyps, and small benthic invertebrates.

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus)

The Pearlscale Butterflyfish has iridescent pearly white body scales edged with black, in a striking contrasting reticulated (net like) or crosshatched pattern. They have a white rimmed, black oval splotch on the forehead behind the eye, a black vertical line through the eye, a bright orange sickle shaped band over the anterior dorsal and anal fins that are highlighted with delicate white, black, and yellow edging, a translucent orange and white caudal fin, and bright yellow on the tips of the dorsal fin. There are no discernible differences between males and females.

They are often mistaken for Mertensii Butterflyfish (Chaetodon mertensii).

Although Pearlscale Butterflyfish can be housed in a mature reef tank with caution; they are best housed in a well established FOWLR aquarium of at least 100 gallon capacity with a fine crushed coral or sand substrate, mature live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to graze on and hide among, and plenty of free swimming space. In mature aquariums containing plenty of live rock for the fish to browse on and forage among, they will normally thrive.

Like Chaetodon semilarvatus, Chaetodon xanthurus feed on several species of soft corals and small invertebrates, they are not considered reef safe, however, many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts with very large reef systems have successfully reported housing

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus)

Chaetodon xanthurus with some of the more noxious, unpalatable soft corals. They may, or may not, exhibit curiosity and nip at coral polyps, particularly SPS corals.

Pearlscale Butterflyfish often become territorial towards similar looking, colored, or patterned butterfly species, especially when housed in smaller tanks, however; they can coexist when simultaneously introduced as juveniles into a large mature aquarium.

As a general rule it is never a good idea to mix butterflyfish species together, especially close relatives. A few compatible species include Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni), Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica), Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto), Clownfish (Amphiprioninae), and Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis).

Pearlscale Butterflyfish tankmates in FOWLR systems should be the same size and peaceful in nature.   They will often refuse to eat or venture out of the protection of their live rock crannies when kept with more belligerent species. They will almost always acclimate well and thrive when kept in peaceful surroundings.

Like all butterflyfish, Chaetodon xanthurus require water quality that is thoroughly filtered and well oxygenated, along with moderate water flow.  An excellent filtration system, protein skimmer, and wave maker should be mandatory.

In the wild, Pearlscale Butterflyfish form distinct pairs and scatter their eggs in open water. They have not been bred in an aquarium environment.

In their natural habitat, Pearlscale Butterflyfish feed on algae, soft coral polyps, gorgonians, and small benthic invertebrates. In an aquarium environment, they should be fed a variety of live, frozen, or freeze dried foods that includes high quality marine flakes, omnivore pellets, spirulina, prepared foods containing algae, chopped krill, clams, or mussels, mysis shrimp, and vitamin enriched brine shrimp.
Feed small portions several times daily.

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus) are readily 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″ to 2-1/4″, Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3-1/2″, Large: 3-1/2″ to 4-3/4″.

Currently prices for small specimens start at around $52.99 for small Fiji specimens, up to $104.99 for large specimens.

Pearlscale Butterflyfish (Chaetodon xanthurus)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately Hardy
Water Conditions: 74-80° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 5.9″
Color Form: White, Black, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Indo Pacific
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: Over 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus)

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) is known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts by a variety of names including; Bluecheek Butterflyfish, Addis Butterflyfish, Masked Butterflyfish, Blue Cheeked Butterflyfish, Bluemask Butterflyfish, Coralfish, Golden Butterflyfish, Golden Masked Butterflyfish, Red-lined Butterflyfish, Red Sea Butterflyfish, Red Sea Golden Butterflyfish, Semilarvatus Butterfly, and Yellow Butterflyfish.

Found in the Northwestern Indian Ocean, their range extends into the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as far east as the coast of Oman.

In their range, Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish are a common species that are encountered in pairs and small shoals among reefs rich in coral growth, at depths from the surface to over 65 feet where they can be seen feeding on benthic invertebrates and hard corals. They are occasionally seen hovering in a stationary position for long periods beneath ledges of plate corals of the genus Acroporak.

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus)

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish have a bright yellow body striped with delicate thin red vertical lines and a bluish gray mask covering the eyes.   The dorsal, anal, pelvic and caudal fins are yellow.

Bluecheek Butterflyfish are best housed in a well established FOWLR aquarium of at least 125 gallon capacity with a fine crushed coral or sand substrate, mature live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to graze on and hide among, and plenty of free swimming space. Because they eat soft corals and small polyp stony corals as well as ornamental shrimp, tube worms and anemones, they are not considered reef safe.

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish are a peaceful species that can be housed alone, in pairs, or in groups with other peaceful fish of similar size and temperament in the same aquarium, however, they may become aggressive towards other Butterflies with a similar pattern or coloration when housed in smaller tanks.

Although the Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish is one of the few species to have long term mates, Chaetodon semilarvatus have not been reportedly bred in an aquarium environment. In the wild, pairs will normally spawn in the water column during the day. At night the eggs emerge into active larvae.

In their natural habitat Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish feed primarily on hard corals and benthic invertebrates. In an aquarium environment, they should be fed a variety of meaty foods like vitamin enriched brine shrimp, seaweed, nori, spirulina, marine algae, and prepared algae based foods.

Feeding small portions of high quality marine flakes, pellets, frozen foods, and live offerings of brine shrimp or mysis shrimp 2 to 3 or more times a day is recommended.

Golden Semilarvatus Butterflyfish (Chaetodon semilarvatus) are occasionally 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 are for Small: 1″ to 2-1/4″; Medium: 2-1/4″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 5″

Prices start at around $ 349.99 for small Red Sea specimens.

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: Temp 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.022-1.025
Max size: 9″
Color Form: Black, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Not reef safe
Origin: Northwestern Indian Ocean
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Wrought Iron Butterfly (Chaetodon daedalma)

Wrought Iron Butterflyfish (Chaetodon daedalmahe) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Black Silk Butterflyfish are found in the Northwest Pacific Ocean around central and southern Japan, primarily around the main islands of Japan south of Sagami Bay; notably Ryukyu, Bonin, and the Ogasawara and Izu Islands, where they are endemic.

Wrought Iron Butterflyfish are a sociable, nomadic species commonly found offshore around the islands of their range, alone, in pairs, and more often in small pods in the clear waters of the rocky, outer coral reefs of their range.

Wrought Iron Butterflyfish occasionally form up into very large schools called “wrought iron balls” as they graze on algae, zooplankton, fanworms, hydroids, gastropods, barnacles, tunicates and other benthic invertebrates over wide areas of the ocean floor, mostly at depths from 35 to over 90 ft.   Many researchers believe that the “wrought iron ball” formations are a defensive strategy.

Wrought Iron Butterfly (Chaetodon daedalma)

Wrought Iron Butterflyfish have a black body with yellowish white edged scales that give it a stunning metallic like cross hatched appearance.   The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are edged in yellow.

Juveniles have a vertical, more white colored splotch on the sides behind the gills that disappear as they grow into adults.

Black Silk Butterflyfish are best housed in a well established FOWLR aquarium of at least 125 gallon capacity with a fine crushed coral or sand substrate, mature live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to graze on and hide among, and plenty of free swimming space.

Because Wrought Iron Butterflyfish relish tubeworms and pick at Large polyp stone coral (LPS),  Small polyp stone coral (SPS), soft corals, Tridacna clams, and most crustaceans; they are not reef safe.

Wrought Iron Butterfly (Chaetodon daedalma)

Chaetodon daedalmahe can be housed alone, in pairs, or with groups of fish of similar size and temperament in the same aquarium without worry.  They are generally shy and peaceful but can become territorial if their aquarium is to small.

Wrought Iron Butterflyfish require a good filtration system, efficient protein skimming, a wave maker for water movement, and a chiller to maintain their cooler water conditions.

Chaetodon daedalmahe have not been reportedly bred in an aquarium environment. They are an oviparous species. Males and females form up into pairs for breeding.

In their natural habitat, Wrought Iron Butterflyfish graze on zooplankton, algae, fan worms, hydroids, gastropods, barnacles, tunicates and other benthic invertebrates in the water column and on the ocean floor. In an aquarium environment, they should be fed a varied diet of high quality omnivore pellets along with fresh or frozen meaty and algae based foods. Krill, mysis, artemia, Cyclops, spirulina, etc. should be fed multiple times daily.

Outside of the Japanese tropical fish keeping trade, Wrought Iron (Chaetodon daedalmahe) are rarely exported and seldom available to fish keeping enthusiasts in the United States. Their rarity, restricted distribution, and cooler water keeping requirements make them a valuable species that when exported and available for sale exceed $2500.00 USD.

Current prices for small size under 2″ specimens start at $5,999.99 USD; Medium 2″-3″ to XLarge 4″-5″ quarantined specimens sell from $7,499.99 to $9,999.99 USD.

Wrought Iron Butterfly (Chaetodon daedalma)

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: Temp 68-75F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 7.8-8.5, Salinity 1.022-1.026
Max size: 6″
Color Form: Black, Blue, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Not reef safe
Origin: Ryukyu, Bonin, Izu, Japan
Family: Chaetodontidae
Lifespan: Over 10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Black Triggerfish (Melichthys niger)

Black Triggerfish (Melichthys niger) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Hawaiian Black Trigger, Black Durgon, Black Finned Triggerfish, or in Hawaiian, Humuhumu’ele’ele are found worldwide in Tropical Atlantic/Caribbean, Tropical Eastern Pacific, and Tropical Indo Pacific waters.

Its range extends from Hawaii, up through Polynesia, westward to the East Indies and across the Indian Ocean. The black triggerfish is also located around the southern coast of Africa.

Black Triggerfish are uncommon in most areas of their range, but appear abundantly in small, loose aggregations around the exposed outer reefs of isolated oceanic islands. They are prolific inland and around the shores of the Ascension Island area.

Black Durgon are a Benthopelagic species that are also encountered alone and in small, loose aggregations in shallow lagoons, open water, and more abundantly around oceanic islands on the clear, shallower, 15 to 125 foot deep outer reef crest ledges, slopes and drop offs.

In open waters at depths to 300 feet, large congregations of Black Triggerfish are commonly encountered feeding on zooplankton, phytoplankton, and calcareous algae.

Black Triggerfish (Melichthys niger)

Black Triggerfish have a mottled dark blue green, almost black, body color with horizontal markings and occasionally some greenish orange at the head; bold, bright white to bluish white lines along the base of their dorsal and anal fins, and a slightly rounded to double emarginate black caudal fin. Around the eyes and face there are thin, light blue to turquoise colored lines. There are no obvious sexual differences between males and females.

Unlike the Indian Triggerfish (Melichthys indicus), which has never been seen near Hawaii, the Black Durgon lacks the white edging on the caudal fin. Black Triggerfish are capable of changing their colors at will, depending on their mood and surroundings.

Black Triggerfish are not reef safe and will munch on corals and invertebrates in your tank, they are best housed in a mature FOWLR tank of at least 125 gallon capacity with a crushed coralline gravel or sandy substrate, plenty of live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs and plenty of free swimming space.

Like most triggerfish, Black Triggerfish are voracious eaters that require a good filtration system, efficient protein skimming, and a wave maker to replicate the brisk water movement they require.

Black Triggerfish are territorial and known to be somewhat aggressive, especially towards smaller tank mates and those with similar body shapes.

Similar sized semi aggressive species and slightly smaller more aggressive species can usually coexist with them.

In large systems, suitable tankmates include large angelfish like the Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator), some tang species like the Naso Tang (Naso Lituratus), Butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae family), and certain surgeonfish like the  . Avoid housing them with small docile species.

Melichthys niger have not been bred in an aquarium environment.

In the wild like Indian Triggerfish, they are egg scatterers that display distinct pairing during breeding.

Black Triggerfish are omnivores that feed predominately on drifting zooplankton, phytoplankton, squid, shrimp, small fish, calcareous algae, and at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago in the southeast Atlantic, the feces and vomits of Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) that congregate in the shallow bay.

In an aquarium environment, Black Triggerfish require a varied diet of high quality marine pellets, frozen foods, and live or frozen seafood. Frozen Angelfish formulas, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, Spirulina enriched brine shrimp, Mysis, squid, chopped shrimp, mussels, small fish and some vegetable matter will keep them healthy and vibrant.   Feed small portions several times daily.

Black Triggerfish (Melichthys niger) are occasionally 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 vary from small specimen 1.25″ – 1.75″, up to large 7″ – 9″ adults with prices starting at $75.99 for small specimens.

Black Triggerfish (Melichthys niger)

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: Temp 76-82F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.022-1.025
Max size: 12 – 18″
Color Form: Black, Blue, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Not reef safe
Origin: Tropical Pacific to Indian Ocean
Family: Balistidae
Lifespan: Over 10 – 15 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Indian Trigger (Melichthys indicus)

Indian Trigger (Melichthys indicus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Black Finned Triggerfish or Indian Black Triggerfish are found throughout the Indian Ocean.   Its range extends from the Red Sea and East Africa, eastward to western Thailand and Sumatra, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Indian triggerfish have never been found near Hawaii.

The Indian Trigger is a solitary species that is usually encountered alone in clear lagoons and along the coral rich seaward reef slopes of their range at depths to 100 feet where they have been observed feeding on algae, sponges, crustaceans, and invertebrates. Along the deep outer reef slopes, lone Indian Triggers are frequently seen as deep as 250 feet feeding on benthic invertebrates.

Juvenile Indian Triggers are often collected from corals and rocks that they shelter among. At night both adults and juveniles have been observed digging holes below the bases of corals and using their dorsal and anal fins to bury themselves with sand to hide from predators.

Indian Trigger (Melichthys indicus)

The Indian Trigger has an oval shaped dark brown, to bluish violet, to black colored body with pale blue, pink, or white stripes along the base of the dorsal and anal fins; white bands that begin at the eyes and extend over most of their face with an oblique blue stripe on the lower cheek, and a narrow white margin on the round caudal fin.

They closely resemble the Black Durgon or Hawaiian Black Triggerfish (Melichthys niger) that lack the white margin on the caudal fin.

The Indian Trigger can be housed in a mature reef or FOWLR tank of at least 150 gallon capacity with a sand or coralline substrate, plenty of live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to hide among and a copious amount of free swimming space. The Melichthys niger can be kept with caution in reef systems without sponges, gastropods and crustaceans.   They typically do not nip at corals and will generally ignore sessile invertebrates, but adults will eat any ornamental shrimp or snails they may come across.

Indian Triggers are known to be somewhat aggressive, especially towards smaller tank mates and those with similar body shapes.   Ideally, only one Indian Trigger should be kept in a FOWLR tank, however, similar sized semi aggressive species and slightly smaller more aggressive species usually get along well with them.   Avoid housing them with small docile species.

Like most triggerfish, Indian Triggers are voracious eaters that require a good filtration system, efficient protein skimming, and a wave maker to replicate the brisk water movement they require.

The Indian Trigger has never been successfully bred in an aquarium environment.

In their natural environment, Melichthys indicus display distinct pairing when spawning.   The eggs and sperm are simultaneously released into the water column and broadcast onto the substrate.   The parents are very aggressive over their eggs and apparently guard them until they hatch into larvae.

In their natural habitat, Indian Triggers feed on algae, sea weeds, hard shelled mollusks, echinoderms, small fish, zooplankton, and benthic invertebrates like sea urchins, sea worms and small crustaceans.

In an aquarium environment, they should be fed a varied diet of fresh or frozen Angelfish formulas, vitamin enriched brine shrimp, Spirulina enriched brine shrimp, Mysis, squid, chopped shrimp, mussels, small fish and some vegetable matter. Feeding small portions several times daily is recommended.

The Indian Trigger (Melichthys indicus) is occasionally 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 vary from small specimen 1.0″ – 1.5″, up to large 7″ – 9″ adults with prices ranging from $79.99 to $695.99.

Indian Trigger (Melichthys indicus)

Minimum Tank Size: 150 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: Temp 72-82F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1-8.5, Salinity 1.022-1.026
Max size: 9.5″
Color Form: Black, Blue, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Not reef safe
Origin: Indian Ocean, West Pacific
Family: Balistidae
Lifespan: Over 10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal)

Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Arabian Tang, Sohal surgeonfish, Zebra Surgeon, Majestic Tang, Majestic Surgeon, Zebra tang, or Red Sea Clown Surgeon is found in the northwestern Indian Ocean where its range extends to the Red Sea, east along the coast of the Arabian Peninsula, to the Persian Gulf.

Sohal Tangs found in the Mediterranean during 2017 and 2017 were either released there by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts or by Lessepsian migration through the Suez Canal.

Sohal Tang are a normally encountered alone or in small schools along the shallower lagoons, outer coral reef flats of their range exposed to surges, rocky formations where they graze on a variety of algae that grow on the hard substrates including Sargassum, filamentous green algae, and a variety of other algae at depths to around 65 feet or more.

Acanthurus sohal are a common solitary species that are extremely territorial of their grazing grounds. Despite being a solitary species, they will frequently school to patrol the boundaries of individual grazing territories from other fish.

Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal)

Sohal Tang has a body depth about half of its length. The body is a stunning light blue to blue gray color with dark blue to black longitudinal stripes that begin at the forehead, become squiggly behind the eye, and become broader until they join together at the orange scalpel at the caudal peduncle.

The lower head and ventral surface of the body are pale blue with faint gray or greenish grey longitudinal lines. There is an orange splotch behind the bright yellow splotched pectoral fins, with most of the fins being jet black outlined with vivid electric blue. The sharp boney scalpel on the caudal peduncle of the lunate tail is said to be venomous in this species.

Because of their large adult size, the Sohal Tang should be housed alone in a FOWLR or reef tank of at least 250 gallon capacity with a coralline or sandy gravel substrate, plenty of mature live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to hide among, and a lot of free swimming space. In order to maintain exceptional water quality; a wave maker for a strong water flow and an efficient protein skimmer for waste removal is essential.

The Sohal Tang is primarily a herbivore and is generally considered reef safe, however, they feed on many species of algae which may include desirable coralline algae in the system as well as some species of soft and hard corals. Caution should be exercised before including them in a well-established reef tank with abundant macroalgae.

Sohal Tangs are only suited for very large aquariums with species capable of handling their aggressive and domineering nature. Juveniles are generally well behaved with existing tank mates but can be aggressive to any new additions. It is best not to house them with other Tangs.

Some tank mates that are not likely to provoke aggression include Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris spp.), Six-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia), Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa),
Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis), and Blue Green Chromis (Chromis viridis).

When setting up a new system, Acanthurus sohal should be the last fish introduced into the aquarium.

The Sohal Tang is generally not available through aquaculture and has not yet been bred in an aquarium environment.

In their natural habitat the Sohal Tangs diet primarily consists of algae.   In an aquarium environment, they should be fed a varied diet of high quality marine pellets, marine algae sheets on a veggie clip, seaweeds, and occasionally fresh or frozen enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, or chopped shrimp. Several feedings daily of small portions are recommended.

The majority of Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal) available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts are caught by net in the wild. They are occasionally available on waiting lists through specialty fish shops, wholesalers and online retailers like Saltwaterfish.com at approximate purchase sizes: Small: 1″ to 2″; Small/Medium: 2″ to 2-3/4″; Medium: 2-3/4″ to 3-1/2″; Medium/Large: 3-1/2″ – 4″ Large: 4″ to 5″.

Prices start at around $349.99 for small to medium size specimens.

Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal)

Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons
Aquarium Type: Reef or FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 74-80° F, , dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 16″
Color Form: Black, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: Reef safe
Origin: Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean
Family: Acanthuridae
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Crosshatch Triggerfish (Xanthichthys mento)

Crosshatch Triggerfish (Xanthichthys mento) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Blue Cheekline Trigger, Redtail Triggerfish, or (erroneusly) the Blue Throat Triggerfish is found throughout tropical and sub-tropical Eastern and Western Pacific Oceans. Its range extends from southern Japan, Hawaiian Islands, Clipperton Island, Revillagigedo Islands, to southern California, Easter Island, and Pitcairn Islands.

Crosshatch Triggerfish are one of the rarer benthopelagic species that are encountered in large schools around corals, rocky substrates, drop-offs, and areas with ample hiding spots along the outer seaward coral reefs of oceanic islands and continental slopes of their range at depths from 20 to over 430 ft.   They are often found in large schools in open water, usually at depths below 90 feet, feeding on passing zooplanktons.

Crosshatch Triggerfish have the typical triangular shape of other Triggerfish when its fins are erect, similar to other members of the genus Xanthichthys.

Crosshatch Triggerfish (Xanthichthys mento)

Males have straw yellow colored scales outlined in black, that give the body an intense yellow crosshatched look, and a red rimmed tail with neon blue submarginal bands. Females are distinguished by a yellow fringed caudal fin and a slate gray to drab blue body color that runs into the caudal fin. Both sexes have black cris-crossing lines along the body and blue radiating lines on the face.

Because of their innate foraging behavior, Crosshatch Triggerfish, like the Humu Rectangle Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) are not considered reef safe. They will constantly rearrange and disturb rocks and corals in a reef system and prey on invertebrates and crustaceans, making them much more suited for FOWLR tanks.

Crosshatch Triggerfish are best housed in a mature FOWLR tank of at least 125 gallon capacity with a sand or coralline gravel substrate, substantial amounts of live rock formed into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to hide among, and plenty of free swimming space along the substrate. A good filtration system, protein skimmer and wave maker to replicate the moderate currents in their natural habitat is recommended.

Crosshatch Triggerfish can be housed singly, in pairs, or in groups of one male and two or more females. They have a mild disposition and are unlikely to conflict with other aquarium inhabitants in a large system. Except for small Pseudochromis and other smaller species, they mix well with most other reef fish.

Suitable tankmates that can can coexist with Crosshatch Triggerfish include large angelfish like the Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator), peaceful herbivores like Yellow Tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens), Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula), Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides phthirophagus), Sohal Tang (Acanthurus sohal), basslets, and other hardy species.

Crosshatch Triggerfish are not commonly aquacultured and have only recently been bred in an aquarium environment.   Their relative rarity in the aquarium trade and high, dependable, embryo production make the challenging to raise larvae a worthwhile effort for breeders. Juveniles were successfully raised from captive eggs on ciliates, copepods and artemia.

In their natural habitat, Xanthichthys mento live singly, as pairs, and in small groups or larger schools. They are demersal spawners that become highly territorial during courtship and spawning.   Males will establish a territory for spawning to take place which is normally during the early morning hours.

After spawning, anywhere from a thousand to a million 0.48 mm diameter fertilized eggs are scattered along the bottom. The spherical, adhesive eggs that contain multiple oil droplets hatch in the evening into small larvae that begin feeding at 2.1 mm in length. Although both parents guard the offspring, only the females tend to the eggs. In an aquarium environment, the larval stage lasts anywhere from 65 to over 100 days. Crosshatch Triggerfish pairs will spawn approximately every 19-23 days.

In their natural habitat, Crosshatch Triggerfish are an opportunistic benthopelagic species that live and feed near the bottom on benthic, in midwater on passing zooplanktons, and near the surface on a variety of free swimming organisms.

In an aquarium environment, they are not finicky eaters and will consume most aquarium fare including high quality marine pellets, frozen foods, and live or frozen seafood to maintain their health and vibrancy.

Their diet should primarily consist of meaty foods like fresh or frozen chopped whole shrimp, squid, silver sides, mysis shrimp, and clams. Chopped krill is an especially good food that provides the beneficial carotenoids needed to maintain their pigmentation. Feeding small portions several times daily is recommended to maintain body weight.

Crosshatch Triggerfish (Xanthichthys mento) known for their striking colors and intricate pattern of lines are a popular choice among tropical fish keeping enthusiasts. Although they are relatively rare and expensive, thay are occasionally available on waiting lists through specialty fish shops and online retailers like Saltwaterfish.com.

Current prices for 4″ to 5″ males start at around $1300.99.

Crosshatch Triggerfish (Xanthichthys mento)

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 76 to 82°F , dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 12″
Color Form: Black, Blue, Red, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Not reef safe
Origin: Indo Pacific
Family: Balistidae
Lifespan: 8 – 12 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Rectangle Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Reef Triggerfish, Patchy Triggerfish, Rectangular Triggerfish, Wedge Picassofish, Wedge Tailed Trigger, or V-line Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, is found throughout the Indo West and Central Pacafic, and is the state fish of Hawaii.

The Humu Rectangle Triggerfish range extends from the Red Sea south to East London, South Africa and east through Indonesia to the Marquesan Islands and northern Australia up to Hawaii and Pitcairn islands, north to southern Japan, and south to Lord Howe Island.

Humu Rectangle Triggerfish are benthopelagic, generally solitary, and extremely territorial.

Adult Humu Rectangle Triggerfish are commonly found over barren rock as well as mixtures of bare rock, rubble, and coral situated along the shallow outer reefs and lagoons of their range which are subject to surges, at depths to 70 feet where they are often seen feeding on algae, detritus, echinoderms, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, fishes, sponges, foraminifera, and fish eggs.

Juvenile Rhinecanthus rectangulus are more commonly found on shallower algae reef roofs.

Humu Rectangle Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus)

Humu Rectangle Triggerfish have an orange brown body color with a white head and belly; a pearly white face with two blue and black stripes across the eyes, a blue bar across the upper lip, a diagonal black V shaped band outlined in yellow that runs from the eye to the anal fin, and a black wedge shaped mark, preceded by two yellow V shaped marks on the caudal peduncle. The soft dorsal, anal, and pecroal fins are a pale dusky color. In juveniles, the yellow V shaped marks on the caudal peduncle are white.

Like Niger Triggerfish, adult and juvenile Rhinecanthus rectangulus have the ability to rapidly alter their coloration when sleeping or changing their moods. Their colors are most vivid when healthy and unthreatened but become drab in appearance when sleeping or demonstrating submission.

Humu Rectangle Triggerfish are not reef safe and do best housed in mature FOWLR tank of at least 180 gallon capacity with a sand or coralline gravel substrate, substantial amounts of live rock formed into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to hide among, and plenty of free swimming space. A good filtration system, protein skimmer and wave maker to replicate the moderate to strong currents in their natural habitat is recommended.

Rhinecanthus rectangulus are pretty aggressive and generally will not tolerate conspecific individuals in their general vicinity. They do best with other larger semi aggressive species and should never be housed with smaller peaceful or docile species.

Although some tropical fish keeping enthusiasts have had success keeping Humu Rectangle Triggerfish in very large reef tanks without crustaceans and invertebrates, they constantly rearrange rocks and corals as they search for benthic invertebrates under the substrate, sifting and spitting sand over their surroundings.

Humu Rectangle Triggerfish are difficult to sex and have not been bred in an aquarium environment.

In their natural environment, Reef Triggerfish are omnivores that have a diverse diet.

They feed on algae, detritus, crustaceans like crab, shrimp, and lobster; mollusks like octopus and squid; worms and planktonic organisms, and smaller fish like sardines and anchovies.

In an aquarium environment, they require a varied diet of high quality marine pellets; live, fresh, or frozen squid, krill, clams, mussels, shrimp, Mysis, octopus, snails, scallops, and especially hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their teeth. Feeding small portions several times a day is recommended to a single large feeding.

Humu Rectangle Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus) 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″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 5″; X Large: 5″ to 6″; XX Large: 6″ to 8″.

Prices for small specimens start at around $49.99 for Sumatran specimens and increase to over $125.99 for large specimens.

Humu Rectangle Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus rectangulus)

Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Easy to 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: 12″
Color Form: Black, Blue, Orange, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Not reef safe
Origin: Indo West and Central Pacific
Family: Balistidae
Lifespan: Over 15 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Blue Throat Triggerfish (Xanthichthys) breeding

Blue Throat Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Blue Jaw Triggerfish, Gilded Triggerfish or Blue Chin Triggerfish are found throughout the Indo-Pacific, East Africa to Hawaii.

Their range extends in the Indo Pacific from the Mauritius eastward through northern Australia to the Hawaiian and Society islands, north to southern Japan.

Blue Throat Triggerfish are usually encountered in loosely formed groups of their range around the rocky ledges and drop offs of current swept seaward reefs that are rich in invertebrate growth, where they feed on copepods and other zooplankton near the bottom.

Although Blue Throat Triggerfish are Benthopelagic and have been collected at depths from 25 to 500 feet, they are more commonly found in small aggregations at moderate depths from 60 to 480 feet hovering several feet above the ocean floor.

Blue Throat Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)

Male and female Xanthichthys auromarginatus are easily identifiable.   Males have a grayish blue body color with gray to white spots in an interesting linear pattern, metallic blue rings around the eyes, a blue throat, and dorsal, anal, and caudal fins outlined in bright yellow. Females lack the blue throat and yellow bordering on the fins.

Blue Throat Triggerfish are a relatively docile species that can be housed with other similarly sized fish in a mature FOWLR or reef tank of at least 180 gallon capacity with a sandy or coralline substrate, plenty of live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to hide among with plenty of free swimming space.

They require a good filtration system with sufficient protein skimming and a wave maker for moderately strong water movement.

Although they are considered reef safe and ignore corals and sessile invertebrates, being triggerfish, they will go after smaller fish, ornamental shrimp, and other crustaceans.

Blue Throat Triggerfish can be housed in small groups of one male and two or more females, however, keeping more than one male in a tank is not recommended.

Xanthichthys auromarginatus are seldom successfully bred in an aquarium environment.

Like Melichthys vidua, Blue Throat Triggerfish pair up to 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 normally do not survive, however, a new type of food has recently been developed for tropical fish keeping enthusiasts that is expected to make aquarium breeding of these species more successful.

In their natural habitat, Blue Throat Triggerfish feed primarily on copepods.   In an aquarium environment, they do well on a mixed diet of meaty foods including fresh or frozen Mysis shrimp, squid, clams, krill, sponge, small fish, and vitamin or Spirulina enriched brine shrimp. They will also accept marine omnivore pellets and dried seaweed on a veggie clip if you have tangs in the tank. Feeding a balanced diet including flake, pellets, frozen meaty foods, and herbivorous foods will keep them healthy.

Blue Throat Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus) 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 from $60.99 – $299.99.

Blue Throat Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)

Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-82° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 12″
Color Form: Blue, Gray, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: IndoPacific, East Africa to Hawaii
Family: Balistidae
Lifespan: Over 8 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

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

Niger Triggerfish (Odonus niger)

Niger Triggerfish (Odonus niger) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Black Triggerfish, Red Tooth Triggerfish, Blue Triggerfish, Redfang Triggerfish, and Redtoothed Filefish are found throughout Indo-Pacific waters and the Red Sea. Their range extends from the east coast of Africa to the Marquesas and Society islands, as far north as Japan, and as far south as the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Niger Triggerfish (Odonus niger)

Niger Triggerfish are frequently found between the rocks and crevices of long slopes and fast flowing reef channels of their range at depths from 30 to over 100 feet where they feed primarily on copepods and sea sponges. In the shallower inshore coastal waters, adult Niger Triggerfish are often encountered in large groups as they feed on zooplankton carried by the swift currents.

Although Niger Triggerfish have a deep purple body with bluish green markings on their heads, hints of yellow on their throat, and glowing light blue margins on their lyre tail lobes and fins, they change colors depending on their moods. Colors range from blue, to blue green, to black, to purple. Niger Triggerfish have tiny red needle sharp teeth, a mouth that looks like it is constantly grinning at you, and small pectoral fins. They locomote with their dorsal and anal fins in an undulating motion unique to this species.

A single Niger Triggerfish can be housed in a mature FOWLR or reef tank of at least 180 gallon capacity with a sand or coralline substrate, plenty of live rock arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to hide among, and a lot of free swimming space.   Although they are NOT considered reef safe, tropical fish keeping enthusiasts have successfully housed them in large reef tanks with a minimum of crustaceans. Even though they do not eat corals, Odonus niger may use coral rubble, sponges, snails, tunicates, and any crustacean they can find to sharpen their red teeth. They also have a habit of overturning live rock in the tank which can damage corals.

In a FOWLR tank, Niger Triggerfish may fight with other triggers but they normally do fine with similarly sized fish such as tangs. The larger they get, the more aggressive they become. Female to female aggression is common with Odonus niger.

To date, Niger Triggerfish have not been bred in an aquarium environment.

In the wild, Nigers are nest builders. The males set up territories in the mating grounds where they lay the eggs in their nests. The females care for the eggs while both parents guard the eggs until the larvae hatch out.

Redtoothed triggerfish are planktivorous feeders that also eat krill, clams, squid, sea urchins, and small fish. In an aquarium environment, they will eat anything, but a balanced diet of meaty foods like clams, Krill, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and frozen omnivore foods is recommended. Feed them two to three times daily in lieu of a single feeding.

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

Approximate purchase sizes: Small: 1″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3″; Medium/Large 3″ to 3 3/4″; Large: 3 3/4″ to 4 1/2″; X Large 4 1/2″ to 5 1/2″.   Prices for small specimens start at around $ 69.99 and increase to $259.99 for extra large specimens.

Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 76-82° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 12 – 18″
Color Form: Purple, Blue green, Blue
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Indo Pacific, Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Balistidae
Lifespan: Over 10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Sargassum Triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens)

Sargassum Triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Red Tail Triggerfish which is also occasionally applied to the Crosshatch Triggerfish (Xanthichthys mento), is found in the Western Atlantic from South Carolina, through the Gulf of Mexico to Lesser Antilles and Brazil.

Adult Sargassum Triggerfish are normally found alone or in small groups along floating sargassum and most often along the seaward reef slopes of their range at depths from 80 to over 260 feet where they can be seen feeding on crabs, shrimp, sea urchins, and zooplankton.

Juveniles Sargassum Triggerfish are frequently found hiding among clumps of floating Sargassum where they reside until fully developed, hence their common name.

Sargassum Triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens)

Sargassum Triggerfish have a light brownish gray to blue body color with rows of dark brown spots along the sides. They have three diagonal silvery blue to brown colored grooves on the face that start just behind and below the mouth and run almost to the gill openings. The pale caudal fin is bordered orange/red, and a large orange/red crescent edges the end of the tail. The dorsal and anal fins are also bordered an orange/red.  Females are more drab in color.

Sargassum Triggerfish are a reef friendly species that require a large established FOWLR or reef tank of at least 125 gallon capacity with a sandy or coraline substrate with rubble and seashells and plenty of live rock arranged into caves, crevices and overhangs for them to hide among. Like all triggerfish, they need plenty of free swimming space.

Although Sargassum Triggerfish are considered reef safe, they will turn over rocks, rubble, benthic invertebrates, and corals in search of prey.   Although Sessile invertebrates are largely ignored, they should definitely not be housed with crustaceans, especially ornamental shrimp. Providing a deep sand bed mixed with rubble and seashells for them to turnover while foraging keeps them occupied.

Red Tail Triggerfish can be housed singly or in pairs however, they should only be kept with larger fish that are not easily harassed.

Like all triggerfish, Xanthichthys ringens requires stable water conditions and a varied diet to thrive. An excellent protein skimmer and/or a wet dry filtration system along with a wave system to maintain water quality and movement is highly recommended. Because this species is commonly found at deeper depths, water temperature should be kept below 80°F.

Sargassum Triggerfish have not been bred in an aquarium environment.

Red Tail Triggerfish are carnivores that prey on small fish, starfish, crabs, shrimp, snails and sea urchins. In an aquarium environment they do well on meaty diets that include krill, shrimp, squid, and scallops. They will accept pellet and flake foods. Feeding Sargassum Triggerfish small portions two to three times a day is recommended.

Sargassum Triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens) are seasonally available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of online suppliers and specialty fish shops at reasonable prices that vary according to size. This species is available captive bred.

Sargassum Triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens)

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Easy
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: 9.8″
Color Form: Tan, Red, Blue
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Western Atlantic
Family: Balistidae
Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate