Niger triggerfish
Odonus niger · Balistidae
Also known as Redtooth triggerfish
Intermediate
The most manageable trigger: mid-water swimmer, deep green-blue, and it needs a big FOWLR tank.
In short: A niger triggerfish needs at least 680 L (180 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated intermediate to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 680 L (180 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 40 cm (15.7 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Not reef safe
- With corals
- Rearranges and damages coral and rockwork.
- With inverts
- Eats all inverts.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 950 L (251 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 680 L (180 US gal)
- Aggression
- Moderate for a trigger, but it bites; secure equipment.
- Feeding
- Once daily.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 680 L (180 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 8–15 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — krill, squid, clam, shrimp, pellets.
- Care level
- Intermediate
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Current-swept outer reef
- Natural conditions
- Strong flow, large open volume.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- TangsLarge angelsLionfish
- Avoid
- Small fishOrnamental shrimpReef tanks
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Not reliably sexable.
- Notes
- Not bred in captivity.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichBite injuries from tank mates
Will it fit your tank?
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