Acclimation Advise - Odonus Niger, comp.    2/27/08
Hello Crew!
<Scott>
I should start with a big thank you to you and your crew. I have written before and gotten great advice. I also use the site search tool regularly. With my new iPhone it stays on most of the time (must to the dismay of my wife).
Anyway, my system consists of:
135 Gal w/ 55 Gal Sump (partitioned with baffles created myself with your help! Dual overflow system to a sock filter directly to the raw section containing a Euro-Reef RS PS. Center section has 6" DSB). Main tank has LOTs of live rock with fine sand bed (sugar oolite). System is and will be FO. NH4-0, NO2-0, NO3-0, 78F, 8.0PH.
Current Stocking:
-3.5" Auriga BF (Very pretty white and yellow. Does the thread come in time, or depend on where he came from?
<A bit of both... develops in later age...>
Delicate eater.)
-3" Picasso (awesome fish, fun to watch. Loves to build the tank surroundings himself. He builds tunnels in sand and blows sand out of his mouth everywhere. Jim Henson could have created this fish, he looks like a Muppet character. I can also hear him clap his teeth every now and then LOUD!).
<Ah, yes>
I recently took my wife to the LFS, where we both laid eyes on a beautifully colored Odonus. He was very active and personable.
<Uhhh, and unpredictable>
My wife really liked him. So, we took him home, fresh water dipped and he is now in QT awaiting his time in the main tank. I searched and read that the two can get along, but is pretty much a gamble.
<Yes... and not a good one>
So my question... What can I do to increase the chances of the two getting off on the right foot when I move Odonus to the display? A couple of LFS owners gave me advice about rearranging the rock, buying new rock, and introducing the Odonus at the bottom of the tank. I want solid advice...
Thank you in advance.. Keep passing the word.
Scott B.
<Really not much one can do but follow the axiom re the "price of freedom" (constant vigilance) here... being ready to net out, remove or at least isolate the trigger/s should WWIII ensue. With the Balistids there is not much, any prior warning as to when complacency turns to overt predation. Bob Fenner>

Trigger Question... Odonus sys.   1/16/08
Hello All,
First off, I would like to say I love the site! Very informative.
<Welcome>
Now to the questions--Currently I have a 20g FOWLR tank, 35 lbs of Live Sand, 35 lbs of Live rock, Hermits, Snails, 1 Atlantic Lettuce Slug, 1 Large Coco worm, and several baby feathers. I would like to add a Niger Trigger.
<... not in a 20 gallon system>
He is only 1.5 inch body size. I know he is not meant for a 20g, I will be setting up my 220g shortly, and let it cycle, plan on adding livestock in June. So I do not believe the Niger will outgrow the 20g by then.
<I'd wait...>
My question-- First off, I noticed in another answer you gave, to place "toys" in the tank to keep the Nigers busy. What would you consider a good "toy" for them?
<Rocks placed where there are holes, caves to swim into and through here>
Also--Will the Niger be ok in with my Coco worm? The Coco's tube is about 8 inches long, and a large crown. I am assuming, (But please correct me if I'm wrong) that I will need to get rid of my Atlantic Lettuce, I do not want to do this, but if that's what it takes to get the Niger, that is what it will come to.
<The Odonus will "sample" all... eventually, likely to death. Bob Fenner>
Thanks for your time!!
Stace
Also---Will I get a reply by email? Or will I have to search the site? I am hoping an email, but either way is fine. Thanks again!!
<Ahh, we respond directly to all>

Trigger Aggression, Odonus    8/19/07
Hi gang,
<Wes>
Love your site! It's my go-to place for marine questions. Unfortunately I've read several of the trigger FAQs and also done searches of the site but can't seem to find the answers I'm looking for. I was hoping you can help me out?
My fish list is as follows:
5" Dogfaced Puffer
<Likely to get bullied>
4.5" Niger Trigger
<Likely a bullier>
4.5" Sohal Tang
<Likely the alpha individual here>
4" Bluethroat Trigger
3.5" Blue-spotted Grouper
12" Snowflake Eel
<This last will have a difficult time feeding here>
They're all in a 180 FOWLR.
Over the last couple months, I've noticed the niger has been getting more aggressive towards my Bluethroat and grouper, chasing them around.
This is not limited to just when they swim by its "home." However, they will sometimes be right next to the niger without getting chased at all.
The grouper and Bluethroat will occasionally have missing or nicked chunks of fin, which I'm assuming is the niger's doing (possibly the Sohal's, on occasion).
<Yes>
All of the fish have been together for about six months or so (with the niger being added three months ago and the sohal about a month ago). The sohal will also occasionally chase the trigger and grouper, but not nearly as much as the niger. None of the other fish are harassed at all.
I feed plenty of formula one and two pellets every other day with occasional frozen foods. All of the fish have become pretty fat, so I don't think this aggression is due to long-term lack of food. In fact, I notice more chasing behavior after everyone's eaten. Almost none during (everyone's busy eating) and none before as they're all in that familiar pre-meal school, looking at me.
Should I be concerned about this behavior from the niger?
<Yes... will likely only get worse with time... missing eyes...>
Should I start thinking about removing it?
<I would, yes>
If things are okay for now, what signs should I be looking for that would prompt a removal? Is there anything else I can do to reduce this aggression? I have tried removing the niger for a couple weeks then reintroducing, which didn't seem to help.
<Perhaps moving the bulk of the decor, rock around every time you're in the tank seriously...>
Not sure if it makes any difference, but when I first got the niger, it was actually slightly smaller than the Bluethroat. Initially, they seemed to get along with the Bluethroat being slightly dominant. By about a month in, the niger was clearly dominant.
<Xanthichthys are generally not territorial... the genus is more open water...>
Sorry for the long post, but figured I'd be thorough!
Wes
<I'd remove this Odonus; allow the Sohal to be number one... see how this works out. Bob Fenner>

Odonus niger compatibility   3/29/07
Hi WWM,
<Samantha>
I've used the site for advice for a long time, but have finally run into a problem I couldn't find any information on.  I have an established 180-gallon saltwater fish-only tank with an 8" snowflake moray eel, a 5" porcupine puffer, and a 6" Volitans lionfish.  They have all been co-existing for several months now with no health problems or aggression issues.  (I was concerned about the lion getting nipped at, but the puffer is very much the "wimp" of the tank, and avoids confrontation.
<Good... sometimes can change... but often when "grown up" together, these groups of fishes do "live and let live">
Surprisingly, the most aggressive of the three has proven to be the eel.)
Anyway, there is a Niger trigger who has been at the fish store a few months.  He is eating well, and has the most charming personality.  I was wondering if you think there's a possibility that he would be compatible with my other three fish.
<Mmm... I give you about even odds that they all would get along now, AND into the future... However, as stated for the Puffer, there is always the chance of the Trigger turning suddenly>
  I've read that triggers can be nippy with lionfish spines, but also that Nigers are maybe the most peaceful of triggers.
<Amongst the most>
If I could get the trigger, are there any special pre-cautions (besides the obvious, like QT-ing) I can take in introducing him to the tank?  I have fake rock decorations, about 30 pounds of live rock, and three feet of PVC piping (that no one's using) in the tank right now.
Will he need more hiding places?
<Mmm, no... will likely find a cave, area to sleep, swim to when frightened...>
The eel and the puffer have each claimed separate fake decorations, and the lion prefers the open spaces.
Sorry for the long-windedness, and thanks for any info!
Samantha
<No worries, and thank you for sharing. Bob Fenner>

Diving with Triggers....and captive care   2/14/07
Thanks for the reply. 92 gal is a corner bow footprint. I decided on the Odonus.
<Will be an okay addition until it reaches adulthood, say about 6-8".>
The wife likes puffers - please tell me I could still add a puffer.
<A smaller Toby.>
If so, what type of puffer?
<See above.>
Then any room left for an Angel?
<Long-term....no.>
Thanks as always.
<Of course.>
  An aside... Triggers particularly like thumbs on divers. The occasions I have been bit by an ocean trigger was on the thumb while shooting some underwater video - blood is green underwater. It took me two times to realize I need to tuck in my thumbs... Watch your digits around these awesome fish...
<Thank you for sharing....Adam J.>

Niger Trigger acting funny...  12/12/06
I have had the fish 3 months and for the most part has been the dominate
<dominant>
fish in the tank. The fish eats all the time and seems very healthy, until this morning. The fish has no intention of doing anything but resting wedged between rocks in the tank. Usually it spends it days swimming all over and moving small rocks.
<Natural behavior>
i did a water change yesterday like I regularly do, I have not added any new fish in a long time. The only thing I have added was some fully cured live rock only about 15 lbs. Does anybody have any ideas what could be wrong?
<Could be "bummed" with the change in its world... might have eaten something on the LR that didn't agree with it...>
Could the rocks have some sort of parasite on them?
<Mmm, not likely>
Any help would be greatly appreciated. As i am writing this email the trigger will come out swim for a couple seconds then dart back into the rock and wedge itself in there again.
I have a fish only tank..175 gallon
1) Niger trigger
1) Huma Huma Trigger
1) Panther Grouper
1) Snowflake eel
1) lion Fish
1) Domino Damsel
1) One spot fox face rabbit fish
1) Scooter Blenny
<Will be consumed>
1) Porcupine puffer
Very little live rock ( working on that though)
mostly base rock and dead Tonga Branch
<Mostly a "wait and see" type problem/situation here. Bob Fenner>

Trigger Won't Eat - 09/08/06
We also have a Niger trigger that has stopped eating 2 and a half weeks ago and has gone to ground in the rocks.
<<Not a good sign>>
We have seen him several times during this period, he has no external signs of damage, parasites, etc.  Colour and markings look very good, breathing is normal, eyes are bright and actively looking at his surroundings.
<<Hmm...is this fish a recent acquisition?  Perhaps this behavior is a reaction to its environment>>
Tank has been established 10 years, 300 gallons, fish only all other fish ok, water ok, all we have done so far is extra water changes (not sure why) increase vitamins and essential elements we don't know what else to try, so I have been looking on the fish net for help and/or advice.
Chris
<<Well Chris...I have observed similar behavior before in other species (internal parasites I suspect)...unfortunately there's little you can do once the fish stops eating.  Do ensure your water quality is optimum, and keep trying to induce/offer food to try to get the fish to feed...and do a Google search of our site re "internal parasites".  Regards, EricR>>

Niger Trigger And Clam Compatibility...Clam Chowder In The Works   6/28/06
Hi,
<Hello Jason>
I enjoy learning on your site, and after looking through the FAQ's on Niger Triggers, I have not found an answer to this one. I would really like
the opportunity to keep a Niger Trigger in my 125 gallon reef. I mostly keep soft corals and LPS with a few SPS thrown in...(gently glued in). From what I have read, this fish can get quite big, be aggressive to other fish and is a planktivore.
<No such word, triggerfish are carnivores.>
(Sorry for my spelling as english is not my mother tongue).
<The spell checker works great for this.>
As I accept these facts and can later accommodate a larger fish, I am left with one question. What would it do to my Crocea and Squamosa clams?
<Make Clam Chowder.  Clams are on their menu in nature.>
Thanks for your time.
<You're welcome.  James (Salty Dog)

Injured Goby 6/21/06
Hay love your site.
<Thanks>
I have a problem.  The last inch off my  EG's tail was bitten off by my niger trigger.
<That is definitely a problem.  The fish need to be separated and the goby will need to be closely monitored for secondary infections.  Without more information it's impossible to give more advice.>
<Chris>

Trigger Diet –  - 03/22/06
I have a 6-7" Niger Trigger and was wondering about feeding and his teeth.
<Okay.>
Is shrimp with the tail on enough, or should I use some in shell clams to keep his teeth worn down?
<Both are viable options, and I would utilize both as variety is key in the diet of marine fish.>
  If clams are a good option, I understand I would pry them open partially before feeding, until he got
the hang of it, and later he would open them himself.
<That would be a good method.>
My question is, what do I look for in a clam other than marine origin?
<They should be raw and uncooked.>
Do I rinse in freshwater first?
<Yes I usually rinse my food in R.O. water before feeding.>
  Is there a better food for this purpose?
<Anything of marine origin with a hard shell is fine for this purpose.>
Are there parasite, contamination risks?
<If you are worried about this you can freeze the food prior to feeding.>
I have read through all the trigger feeding and health FAQ's and the articles, but couldn't find an answer.
<Really? This is a common question, especially with puffers.>
Thanks so much for any information you can provide...you have been a
great help to me in the past with my aquariums.
<Anytime, good luck. Adam J.>

Trigger System/Choices II - 02/27/06
Eric,
<<Hello Bill>>
THANKS for the very prompt reply.
<<Very welcome>>
I'm not sure but last post may have been misleading.
<<Mmm, okay...>>
The 90 gallon tank is going bye-bye, unless I decide to use it for my sump/refugium.  (the sump on the 90 gallon Cichlid tank is a 40 gallon breeder)
<<Ah, I see.>>
I've been looking at a 135, or possibly a 180.
<<The latter is the better choice.>>
Both are glass, and drilled.  They include a stand and canopy, and whatever lights I decide for a very reasonable price.
<<cool>>
I'm guessing the 180 would be the best choice for the three
triggers--the Niger, Picasso, and Bluechin/Throat using the 'rule' of 1" of fish per 2 gallons of water
<<A useless rule my friend...as are so many such "generalizations"...all fishes are definitely NOT created equal.  You must take in to account such things as feeding habits, swimming behavior, temperament, developmental retardation (as in putting a Yellow Tang/Blue Tang/Sohal Tang/Naso Tang, etc., etc., etc., in a 55 gallon system!), and more.  Unfortunately there is no magic formula (or rule).>>
--or is it just wishful thinking and still need to go bigger--
<<Considering adult sizes...would like to see you go bigger for the long-term.  I think you could likely get by with the 180 for some time, but the Niger Trigger will eventually outgrow even this tank (can reach 20+ inches in the wild).>>
Your thoughts and recommendations are appreciated.
Bill Fletcher
<<Regards, EricR>>

Trigger System/Choices III - 02/28/06
Eric;
<<Bill>>
Again my THANKS for the prompt reply--that is the main reason we all come to this site.
<<Very welcome my friend.>>
Well, I had always heard that bigger is better, and I really did want a bigger tank anyway.
<<Your chosen fishes will be happier/live longer for it.  Let me know how things progress.>>
THANKS again,
Bill Fletcher
<<Regards, EricR>>

Niger Trigger   1/10/06
(I am resending the below message just in case it was never received. My virus scanner is on the blink and causing all sorts of trouble.)<Thank you for this. We have webmail issues off/on as well>
Crew,
    As always thanks in advance. I am having a problem with my Niger trigger. First off the long and not so short; 55 gal.
<... too small a volume for this species.>
FOWLR, pH 8.3, temp. 80, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate 0, calcium 450, alk 7. I started to have trouble with the trigger after I rearranged my power heads in an attempt to eliminate dead spots in the aquarium. The next day the trigger was hiding under her sleeping rock but came out to eat at chow time. The next day wedged under the rock again, this time it wouldn't eat. Third day the same behavior, move to quarantine tank.
<I would wait a week or two here... Triggers are given to such behavioral changes with slight changes in their environment>
No treatment as yet because I have no idea what is going on. The other tank inhabitants are a small Scopas tang, a lawnmower blenny, a yellowtail blue damsel, a maroon clown, a large thriving sebae anemone, a long spine urchin, a pencil urchin, a coral banded shrimp, a cleaner shrimp, and various hermits and snails.
<Am very surprised that the trigger has not (yet) consumed the last few>
Nothing else is showing signs of distress. Filtration includes an emperor 400 with the bio-wheels removed and an aqua-c remora pro skimmer. I think it may be too late for her as she has stopped eating and swimming altogether, but does not have any other overt visible sign if stress or disease. Her diet included Formula One and Two soaked in Zoecon, frozen Mysis shrimp also soaked in Zoecon and lastly Wardley's freeze dried plankton also soaked in Zoecon. This is very distressing as this was the second fish added to the system after the tank was cycled nearly eleven months ago.
    Thank you ever so much, Mike
<Do try both an opened clam and on another occasion a "cocktail shrimp" (sans sauce of course)... and replace the trigger in its larger/est system. Bob Fenner>

In Absence of Sexual Dimorphism, How Does One Go About Sexing Odonus niger?  11/7/05
Hi there,
I just have one really quick question regarding the red tooth triggerfish or Odonus niger.
Do you know how to sex this fish? Sorry what i mean is do you know how to tell a male from a female any help would greatly be appreciated, Jarryd
<Mmm, nope... as far as I'm aware this fish cannot be readily sexually differentiated externally. In the wild I've only encountered O. niger singly or in large, loose aggregations (never seen reproductive behavior). Bob Fenner>

Trigger foods  9/26/05
Hello,
I just received a Niger trigger and he is by far the coolest fish I have ever owned! So what kind of veggies should I feed him? Spinach, lettuce, Nori, etc.?? Thanks Ben
PS I have been feeding him krill and flakes.  <It's quite obvious that no research was done on the trigger before purchase.  Triggers are not algae eaters, meaty foods, eat crabs, shrimp, urchins in nature.  James (Salty Dog)>

Re: trigger foods  9/26/05
hello,
sorry about not being very specific. I know that they eat meaty foods but require a diet of veggies. Some people told me that they need to eat some veggies once in awhile. Or are they lying? Thanks
Ben
<Balistids will eat, try most anything... will get all their necessary nutrients through meaty and prepared foods. Bob Fenner>

Compatibility  9/19/05
Hi everyone
today I buy a fish... a niger triggerfish.  I always said that I would never
buy a trigger but the seller said to me that this one was reef safe and that
it would be no problem with my other fish (a big yellow tang (4"), 2
firefish, true percula clown, yellow watchman goby, green Chromis and 1
cleaner shrimp).  First I didn't believe de seller so he give me a book
(marine atlas) and it was true, it even said that if I want to have a
cleaner shrimp I just have to put it in the tank before the trigger.  So I
buy it (it's about 2")
Now I come see on Internet, on your website and it don't give the same
information... What's true?? <The truth is that none of the triggers are reef safe.  You may have been given dated information. Research a fish before you buy on the WWM.  Information here is kept current. James (Salty Dog)>
Did I just made a big mistake?
my tank is a 90 gallons with a 35 gallon sump
I have some soft corals
thanks!
p.s. sorry again for my bad English

Niger in a 55
Hello All,
<<Hello One. Marina here.>>
Today I purchased a Niger. I have a 55gal w/one snowflake eel (10" long), one yellow tang (3" long), one Valentini puffer (3" long) one cleaner wrasse (2 1/2" long I know he's a short term fish. Thought I had ich)...
<<Wait a minute, you're saying that you purchased this fish KNOWING that it wouldn't survive long-term??? That equals bad Karma, baby. BTW, one of the WORST choices for controlling ich, ESPECIALLY with such small fishes!>>
...one false percula (2 1/2" long) and one Anthias (2 1/2" long).
<<Jeez, you've hit your limit a while ago, there.>>
Niger is in qt tank for now.
<<Ok.>>
My intent is to move the tang, trigger and maybe the eel in a year to a 120gal.
<<Why wait a year? These fishes, numbers, should be in such a tank NOW.>>
My question, would they all be happy and play nicely in the 55 until the 120 is up and cycled?
<<You are VERY overstocked as it is. This is, in my opinion (considering the habits of the fishes you've listed) cruel. I'm sorry to be so blunt about it, but there it is.>>
In the 55, I have 60lbs or more of live rock, I do a 3-5 gal water change every other week and a 25% water change every month and a haft or two.
<<That doesn't do enough, in my opinion, to keep water quality up, and it sure as heck doesn't give them the swimming space they need. Especially the tang and Anthias.>>
No algae blooms, water test are in range and top off with R/O.
<<As ever, I ask, "What is 'in range'?" Tells me nothing, and I'll remind you/all that this is ONLY the stuff hobbyists can test for, does not come close to telling the whole story, my friend.>>
If you suggest not keeping all together, I do have a 30 gal reef, but if I can get away with it, I'd rather not move anyone out.. Thanks all Brenda
<<The 30 is a nano, and outside of the clown no other fish would really be suitable for such a small system (I would have moved it there a long time ago.. unless THAT's already overstocked with vertebrate life). I hate to say it, but you've got to decide what's more important - having these fish now (all of which are quite readily available, so I don't see the point), or providing them the best you can in/for the long term. 
I also hate to say this, but it really seems to me that you're not exactly taking into consideration the fishes' psychological health/welfare. Water changes are great, but the frequency in such an overstocked system leaves something to be desired, as well as the amount changed. 
The tang alone is problematic in a 55, could do alright for a few months to a year as long as growth is stunted/delayed. But adding in all those other fishes.. whew.. Alright, as things stand, I really DON'T think they'll do well for more than a few months given husbandry, tank-mates, housing. Get the 120 NOW, or give up some fishes. Marina>>

How About Adding "Volume on the Cheap"? Niger in a 55 Take Two
Hello again,
<<Hi Brenda.>>
Bluntness is not a form of cruelty, when it comes as a wake-up call to a potential disaster.
Reason for delay in 120, basement is under construction. Really don't want drywall dust getting into water even with a cloth cover.
<<Ah.. Can't blame you on that.>>
The 55 housed the clown, Anthias and bicolor for a year. Puff came along, to help with a mantis problem in 30. Eel was a hitchhiker in large rock (lucky me).
<<Holy Canoli.. you got a snowflake as a hitchhiker? Jeez, eyeah (lucky you).>>
Bicolor mover to 30. Puff stayed in 30 until 3 months ago. Tang was given by Army friend shipped over.
<<Ah, yes.>>
Had him in QT tank moved him in 55 came down with black dots got cleaner for him. He cleaned him up good. I guess when I said "I thought I had ich", I should have finished and said worms. I would love to keep the cleaner, but everything I've heard and read, they don't have a long life expectancy.
<<They do, but not in most captive situations. They require large, and large numbers of, fishes upon which to perform their duties. There are anecdotal stories of folks getting them to feed on other foodstuffs, but I have yet to hear of one living in a situation such as yours long term. This is why WWM, as a whole/group is so against the sale and purchase of these animals (for the most part).>>
Any suggestion would help.
<<Here it is: Are you able to add water VOLUME to any/all of these systems via additional sump or similar? Rubbermaid or similar plastic tubs can add 20-30 gallons for a small price, and all that would *really* be needed beyond that is some tubing and pump. If you could add macroalgae to them, even better, but it's going to allow you and the fishes a much larger buffer in all situations. Heck, these things can even actually act as tanks.>>
Today was a big move day for some. Niger will remain in QT for a month or so. Clown move to reef. Have a small 12 gal nano reef; Anthias is there until I can think of something. Didn't move him to 30 because of cleaner and peppermint shrimp afraid he would nip. 55 has puff, tang and wrasse oh yes and eel.
<<Whew!>>
Mention water, cause I was hoping you might say "keep water quality good and you might get by for a year".
<<Keeping water quality up can definitely help, but I can't tell you with a straight face that all these animals could get on for a whole year this way. Can you trade in some fishes right now? The cleaner, at least?>>
Not this case. Failed to mention QT tank is 30 as well. If any of these moves don't seem reasonable, please suggest something.....I know get the 120 going........B-
<<Heh, yeah. But, in the meantime if you could thin the numbers in each situation, and add water volume, then you could squeak by. On water changes alone... I am hesitant (but that doesn't mean add volume don't do more water changes). Additional chemical filtration (something not yet mentioned) is sometimes helpful, but can quickly become expensive. Again, reconsider the numbers/purchases here. You have a lot of trouble even if things do go smoothly, a crap shoot. And that's my best advice. Marina>>

-A Niger Fakes it-
<Hello>
I bought a Niger triggerfish a week ago.
<Did you Q/t this fish?> 
He seems very active with my damsel, but when he stops moving he lays on his left side on the bottom of the tank in the same spot.
<Well they do tend to have personality "quirks" and each does different things to get us to pay attention.> 
Is this normal behavior of this fish?
<Could be, But I really need to know if this fish was q/ted or even freshwater dipped as it might be sick. Is it eating well, swimming normally and not having any spots etc?> 
I have just a 20 gal. tank with crushed coral bottom and 5 live rocks.
<Ok here is the problem, Not only was it not q/t ed its in a tank that is way too small for this fish. While it may be fine now and the laying on the substrate is normal (Mine does it sometimes to get more food), it will get way too large for this tank and will get sick soon if it isn't already. I hope your tank is not infected with any diseases from this fish, but please quarantine your fish for at least 4 weeks before putting them in your display. If any of them are sick or have ich then they will infect everything and its a hassle to get everything well. Also please research your fish on WWM before buying them. This fish will get 8" to 15" or more in some cases. Can you handle a 80-120 gallon tank for it?>
Thanks, John 
<Justin (Jager)> 

Niger Trigger
Hello,
<Hi. You Got Justin>
I'm not sure who to contact or who to ask, I've been reviewing some of the information your site has about Niger triggers, Anyways I have a 3/4 inch long Niger trigger...and it seems to be hiding a lot during the day and laying around (from what I've read so far this is normal)
<Yes and no.... Nigers normally swim very actively during the day and only hide when they are stressed or are being picked on or are sick with something. I am leaning toward the third.> 
But, my concern is this; his eyes are REALLY glazed over. Everything else seems to be fine, but I'm worried.  All the chemical levels are correct, and all of my other fish are completely fine. I have an angel, two clowns and a couple damsels. 
<Well it really only helps us to know the exact levels in the tank. Otherwise we cant simply take your word for it.>
If you have any ideas...or know anything that might help him I would be very thankful
~Chris
<Sure Well first I would catch the Niger and put it in its own Q/T tank for observation. The cloudy eyes are usually a symptom of poor water quality. By Q/T ing it you can help it by constantly having very high water quality and in case it is ill with something else it prevents any more transfer into your main tank. To help the fish for now go get some Epsom salt. Its sold at your grocery store. Put in 1 TSP (teaspoon) per every 5 gallons to help relieve any excess water pressure behind the eyes. Simply watch this fish and remove from q/t once the eyes heal. If they wont after giving good water quality and the Epsom salts, you might try a cloudy eye medication, but I really recommend this as a last resort. >
<Justin (Jager)> 

Nocturnal Odonus Niger?
Hello,
<Hi, Mike D here>
I am new at having a tank. I have a 125 gallon salt water tank. I have a yellow tang, an angel, Picasso trigger and a Niger trigger (Odonus Niger). At night the Niger is very active and likes to make splashing noises. Is this normal? I have been unable to find anything about the Niger fish being Nocturnal or anything else on this. Thanks.<The Niger trigger, sometimes sold in larger sizes as the Vampire trigger due to it's red teeth, can reach up to 19", so you may find that you need to upgrade to a larger tank eventually. To the best if my knowledge they aren't truly nocturnal but often occupy deeper waters, thus becoming "twilight fish" that are active in dimmer light. Not generally being as aggressive, when small, as the Picasso, it may be telling you that it needs an additional feeding now that the competition has eased off.  For whatever it's worth, the Niger is one of the few larger triggers that doesn't automatically eliminate tank mates as it matures as does the Undulatus, the Clown and the Queen, the hint here being don't add too many triggers lest you end up with a bloodbath in the eventual future.>

Niger Triggerfishes
Hello,
        What are my chances of success of keeping two Nigers in a 65 gallon? I have a 3" one in the tank now and would like to add a 6" one, will the size difference diffuse the aggression on the part of the original trigger?
Thank you
<Short answer: not good. This size tank is ultimately not large enough for one specimen. Would you like to be confined to a room about the size of your kitchen with a grizzly bear? Even if you both started off young/small? Me neither. Bob Fenner>

Niger Trigger
I have a 135 gallon tank in the works.  <oooo lovely> I have had a 55 set up for about 6 months now. I've been planning on what fish to stock the 135 with, I was thinking a Niger trigger a humu humu trigger and a harlequin tusk? <I really would like to caution you about the two triggers. Let me be honest and tell you that I know people who have them together with good results and I know people who have them together with bad results. But triggers are aggressive and can hurt each other. They are also very competitive and might over compete with other fish for food.> are all these fish appropriate for my 135? Will they out grow it? Also would a Niger trigger be ok in my 55 for about 2 months? <Yes it should be just fine for a short period of time. But these fish as they grow need the mental stimulation of a larger tank. The ability to swim back and forth.>The one I'm looking at is about 3 inches right now. His tank mates would be a Scopas tang and a Percula clown fish. <Let me know what you decide Sharon, keep us up-to-date on your setups. MacL>
thanks a lot
Sharon

Big Nigers
How big do Niger triggerfish get really? I've read they get 12 inches but also read they get 18 inches. I was am planning on getting one for my 55 gallon aquarium which is 4 feet long and also how long could I keep one in my aquarium before upgrading
***Hello,
While Niger triggers are among the very best of marine aquarium fish, they are not appropriate for a smaller tank. Anything under 180 gallons will not house this fish long term, regardless of what you may read in a book. Yes, they reach 18" or so in the wild, this includes the fin trailers. In captivity, 12 to 14" is likely, meaning that it's MUCH too large to keep in a 55 gallon long term. The other item of note about this species is that unlike some triggers, they grow FAST! So if you put a 3" specimen in a 55 gallon tank, it's likely you'd have to upgrade the tank or sell the trigger at around the 18 month mark. You also don't say what else you have in the tank, which could be a factor as well.
A much better choice for you given the tank size would be a trigger of the Rhinecanthus genus. This includes the Huma Huma trigger (R. aculeatus) and the Rectangulus trigger, (R. Rectangulus). They grow slowly, so you could keep a Huma Huma in a 55 gallon tank for years if you start with a 2 or 3" individual. Again, with the caveat that he may not be an appropriate tankmate for certain fish, and should certainly be the smallest fish in the tank regardless. They do well most of the time if added last as the smallest fish.
Good luck.
Jim***