Black Triggerfish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
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The Black Triggerfish feeds mainly on floating plant material and zooplankton. Scott W. Michael
Overview
This species is found in tropical waters around the world and is usually seen in aggregations, swimming high above the reef, often with schooling zooplankton feeders. It is also found associating with large floating rafts of Sargassum, a species of brown algae.
Family: Balistidae
Other common name(s):
- Black Durgon
- Black Oldwife
- Blackfish
Native range:
- Circumtropical
- Ryukyu Islands
- Ogasawara Islands
- Tuamotu Islands
- California
- Malpelo Islands
- Florida
- Bahamas
- Brazil
- St. Helena
- Ascension Island
- Rolas Island
- Cape Verde
- São Tomé Island
- South Africa
Habitat: The Black Triggerfish is common around oceanic islands and is usually found on inner and outer reef crests, usually near the slope or drop-off to deeper waters.
Maximum length: 50 cm (20 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 912 L (241 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
Feeding
Mixed diet of meaty foods, including chopped seafood, mysid shrimp, frozen preparations, and flake foods. Feed at least three times a day.
Aquarium Compatibility
Because it feeds mainly on floating plant material and zooplankton, it is a possible candidate for the reef aquarium. However, in nature, and in captivity, it will occasionally nibble on sessile invertebrates. It may also harass ornamental shrimps that are introduced after it has become adjusted to its captive home.