Fish Index: Trigger Fish

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Bursa Triggerfish (Rhinecanthus verrucosus)

The Bursa Triggerfish or Rhinecanthus verrucosus is one of the many different species of Triggerfish on planet earth. This particular species can grow to about 9" in length and originates from Indonesia. They are called several different names throughout the world including the Black Patch Triggerfish and the Blackbelly Triggerfish.

The Bursa Triggerfish has a mustache of sorts that really gives them an unusual appearance. They also have a colorful mask around their eyes and the classic Triggerfish beak-like mouth, not to mention their dorsal spines that give the Triggerfish its name. This fish will use these spines to wedge itself into tight crevices when threatened. Bursa Triggerfish can also be identified by a large black circle that is found on the lower half of its body towards it caudal fin (tail).

As you can imagine these saltwater fish are very popular in an aquarium setting and are fairly reasonably priced which makes them all the more popular. An aquarium of about 80 gallons or more with the following water conditions will work well, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4 and sg 1.020-1.025. These fish are carnivores that should be fed meaty foods like small fish, squid, krill, clams, and plenty of hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth. One interesting fact about these fish is that they tend to make a grunting sound and will often rearrange the furniture in the aquarium.

Gray Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus)

The Gray Triggerfish or Balistes capriscus is a species of Triggerfish that is often caught on a fishing line instead of in an aquarium, like a lot of other Triggers. These saltwater fish can weigh up to 13 pounds (5.9 kg) and can grow to about 30 inches (76 cm) in maximum length. They can live for about 13 years and go by a few different names including Leatherjacket, Filefish, Turbot and Pig Faced. Found in the Western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf Of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea in relatively shallow waters these fish are normally spotted in less than 180 feet (55 meters).

Gray Triggerfish have tough, leathery skin with two dorsal fins. They have spines on their dorsal fins that they use as defense. When threatened these fish will find a tight crevice in which they will wedge themselves. Their spines will lock into place and help them anchor in place.

If you have been lucky enough to catch and eat a Gray Triggerfish, you know just how delicious they are whether smoked, fresh or salted. Gray Triggerfish will normally feed on crabs, shrimp, sand dollars, sea stars and sea cucumbers. This saltwater fish has actually developed an interesting way of uncovering food. The Gray Triggerfish will shoot a stream of water at the sandy bottom to uncover sand dollars hidden underneath. If they don't find anything they will simply move a few feet and blow again until they find their next meal. You can check out the Gray Triggerfish in the video below...

Many different fish feed on the Gray Triggerfish including Amberjacks, Grouper, Marlin, Sharks, Tuna, Dolphinfish and Sailfish. If you have any questions or additional information about the this Triggerfish please leave a comment.

Undulate Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus)

The Undulate Triggerfish or Balistapus undulatus is a vividly colored saltwater aquarium fish. Also known as the Orangelined Triggerfish or Orangetailed Triggerfish, it has an attractive, emerald-green body with yellow-orange vertical stripes. This salt water fish has a strangely shaped body that looks more like an alien then a fish!

The Undulate Triggerfish has the ability to make a grunting sound which some think they use as a form of communication. In an aquarium setting be careful who you pair this fish with as is can be very aggressive towards certain other fish species. This fish does best in water conditions of 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, with a PH Level of 8.1-8.4.

The Undulate Triggerfish grows to about 1' in length so a larger aquarium is best suited for this type of saltwater fish. This type of Triggerfish should be fed meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their growing teeth. These fish can learn to eat right out of its owners hand, but be careful you don't want to get nipped.

The Clown Trigger Fish or Balistoides Conspicillum is a very popular salt water aquarium fish as it only grows to around 20". Watch out though this fish is considered aggressive, and may become territorial and aggressive to new additions to your tank. This type of fish will work well with a Banana Wrasse or Puffer Fish though as they are both very aggressive too. It can be found in the West Pacific areas.

As you can see from the pictures above, the Clown Trigger Fish gets its name from its amazing display of colors. This is a big reason why this fish is such a popular pet. To see the Clown Trigger Fish in action check out the video below...