Saltwater Aquarium Triggers (Balistidae)

Triggers live in reef areas where the water is in constant movement, so you must plan a large aquarium for them (at least 400 liters) with highly agitated and well-oxygenated water. Their jaws and teeth allow them to graze on coral, crabs, and mollusks. In captivity they accept animal food, such as small mollusks (cockles, mussels), complete with their shells.

They are fairly aggressive and must be kept singly, away from small fish and invertebrates. One of the distinguishing features of this family of marine fish is its ability to stick out the first spoke of its dorsal fin, and then block it with the second one (explaining their alternative name of crossbowmen).

Clown Trigger (Balistoides Conspicillum)
The clown trigger is not only voracious. it is also fast, usually reaching any food before other fish. It is not slow to rearrange the decor, either, although it is easy to domesticate. However, it is best to acclimatize it before it measures more than 10 cm. Size: 25 cm.

Undulated Trigger (Balistapus Undulatus)
The undulated trigger fish is so resistant that it can survive for over 10 years in an aquarium. It is easy to acclimatize and keep, although it is prone to knocking over bits of decor. Size: 20 cm.

Queen Trigger (Balistes Vetula)
The queen trigger fish, native to the tropical Atlantic the others come from the Indo-Pacific region - is one of the most placid. It is easy to acclimatize and grows quickly - sometimes up to 50 cm. Size: 30-50 cm.

Picasso Trigger
(Rhinecanthus Aculeatus)
Its common name, the Picasso trigger fish, comes from its distinctive coloring. It defends its territory fiercely. Some related species (R. asasi, R. rectangulus, R. verrucosus) are sometimes commercially available, often under the same name. Size: 20 cm.

Blue Trigger (Odonus Niger)
The blue trigger fish can live for more than 10 years. If you have a couple, reproduction may be possible in a very large aquarium, in a nest dug into the sand.
Size: 20 cm.

Blue Line Trigger (Pseudobalistes Fuscus)
The coloring of juveniles is paler than that of adults. The blue line trigger is fairly aggressive but can get to know its owner. It sometimes looks for its food by "spitting" water to lift up the sand. Size: 35 cm.

Blue Throat Trigger (Xanthichthys Auromarginatus)
The magnificent blue throat trigger requires a large tank, with shelters where it can take refuge at night. It is aggressive towards both fish smaller than itself and members of its own species. Size: 30 cm.