Reef Safe Triggers

[kevinpo]

I like these fish because of their unusual shape and swimming style. They are also very reef safe and peaceful. They eat small meaty foods such as Formula1 frozen cubes, freeze dried plankton, raw shrimp, and pellet type foods. They can be kept with shrimp and do not try to move your rockwork around. I've had a pair in my reef for a couple of years now. Although rather shy at first in a few months they become very friendly and are out all the time. They sleep wedged in the rocks at night.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[zeltar]

OK, what kind of trigger is that?

 

[kevinpo]

Oops sorry. It's a Xanthichthys auromarginatus (Bluejaw or Bluechin) trigger. The one pictured is a male. The female lacks the yellow and blue except over the eye.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[zeltar]

How big do/can they get? Really they dont munch on corals?

 

[kevinpo]

I've never had any that even bite at the rockwork. They get about 7" in the home aquarium.

Kevin

 

[Ray Pollett]

These fish are know to "spit water" . Have you noticed this habit in yours, or is you tank covered almost completely?

Ray

 

[kevinpo]

Ray,
No covers and no spitting from any I've had but I have heard the same thing.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[cheeks69]

Thanx Kevin I'm looking for stocking Ideas for my new tank ! Will they eat snails ?

 

[Maui1]

Spitting is a nasty habit.
So is picking your nose!

LOL :lol:

I've always liked triggers but because they all cause so much havoc........

 

[kevinpo]

They do not eat snails or other inverts. I would try and get a small one as they are easier to get hooked on prepared foods.

HTH,
Kevin

 

[WaterDogs]

I've had a female Blue Chin for about two years now and it a very peaceful fish in my reef.

 

[cookiemn]

How much do they go for?

 

[plumber_bob]

You can also look into the Pink Tail Triggers, Crosshatch and Sargussum; however, the last two names I mentioned you will be paying lots of $$$$ for. I know that the Crosshatch triggers are readily available. The Sargussum's are much harder to get in and the Pink Tail Triggers have (IMO) the best trigger shape. They are just as reef safe as the Blue Throat Trigger.

 

[tamarindthai]

oumhhh,Bob,where can i get one of those?

 

[rpmi]

I think these fishes grow over 12" long. More than 7". And they are reef safer than most triggers.

 

[WaterDogs]

How much do they go for?

I paid $35 for my Blue Chin. The Niger Trigger is reef safe too.

 

[kc]

WaterDogs, where did you get it?

 

[kevinpo]

The Pink Tail (Melichthys vidua) grows to a little over a foot and is hit and miss with ornamental shrimp. Some will dig and move rocks around. They are fairly peaceful towards smaller fish although I saw one accidentally bite a Firefish in half at feeding time. They also tend to be less colorful than the pictures of them.

The Niger Trigger (Odonus niger) grows to 20" and often eats snails, shrimp, crabs etc. When small (6" or less) they are much better behaved towards inverts. I have never seen one eat corals but have seen them increase in aggressiveness towards smaller tankmates after a couple of years.

Regards,
Kevin

 

[plumber_bob]

Dang, what type of trigger are you looking for.

Kevinpo, my old Blue Throat trigger ate all my shrimp, so any trigger is a risk, but some like I've listed are less of a risk then Clowns, Queens, Nigers, etc...

 

[cookiemn]

Where is a good place to get triggers around Seattle? Also, are there any reef safe parrot fish? My wife likes the way they look.