Reef Safe Triggers
 

does anyone out there have any experience with a trigger that is reef safe? i was under the impression that only the blue throat trigger is reef safe, am i wrong?

Richard

You are correct. I have one and love it. :)

Nice stuff! What size tank is it in Gary? Got any pictures?

PS. I thought maybe a cross hatch was also supposed to be not too bad? I know there's an article on them at http://advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2002/Fish.htm but it's been a while since I've read that one.

If you want to try a trigger in your reef I would stick with any of the Xanthichthys species. The blue throat is regarded as the best suitable mainly because of its smaller size. The others tend to grow rather large but are generally as well behaved. Granted there are exceptions to every rule.

Bluethroat - Xanthichthys auromarginatus
Redtail/Crosshatch - Xanthichthys mento
Sargussam - Xanthichthys ringens

others have also had some success with..

Pink-Tail - Melichthys vidua
Niger - Odonus niger

so the picasso i'm getting, is there anything that could survive with him?

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...Picture055.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j1...Picture054.jpg

I have a smallish Niger trigger fish in my 44g cube (soon to be upgraded to a 100g). He is probably about 4" long right now and I have had him for about 8-9 months and so far he has not bothered any other fish or invert although he will occassionally rearrange some rock or coral if he is not satisfied with my placement. Funny enough it is usually just new additions or if I move something he will move it back to the same area of the tank. He is housed with a tomatoe clown, blue devil damsel and a prawn gobie. Also a couple of cleaner shrimp, a peppermint shrimp and various snails, a clam and a variety of LPS and softies and zoos. So far other than wanting his house to stay in order has not bothered anything.

sweet i deffinately learned something new today

thanks guys

Richard

I also have a niger trigger....He is doing fine in my tank doesn't fight with anyone and doesn't pick on corals!

robzilla

I have a close relative of the Picasso, he's a black blotch. There are a lot of things I can keep with him, but he is an individual. PM me if you want to talk more.

I have has a Niger trigger sucessfully in a reef tank for over a year. Had shrimps, clams and every invert and he was a good citizen, never touched or bothered fish. Until I added a Moorish Idol then the Trigger would chase & bite off its streamer tails. So the Trigger had to go. :0)