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FAQs about Xanthichthys Triggerfishes, Compatibility
Related FAQs:
Xanthichthys Triggers
1, Xanthichthys Triggers 2, & FAQs on
Xanthichthys Identification,
Xanthichthys
Behavior, Xanthichthys Selection,
Xanthichthys
Systems, Xanthichthys Feeding,
Xanthichthys Disease,
Xanthichthys
Reproduction, &
Triggerfishes
in General, Triggerfish:
Identification,
Selection,
Selection 2, Compatibility,
Behavior,
Systems, Feeding,
Diseases, Triggerfish
Health 2, Reproduction,
Related Articles:
Xanthichthys Triggers,
Triggerfish,
Red
Sea Triggerfishes,
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Blue cheeked Trigger Fish in a Reef Tank? 6/5/06
Hello Crew,
<<Hello Bob>>
I'd just like to get your opinion of Blue Cheeked Trigger fish, (Xanthichthys
auromarginatus ), in reef tanks.
<<Absolutely worthwhile...if you have the space>>
I have heard much recently of the suitability of these fish to reef set ups due
to their planktonic diet, but they are trigger fish after all and those shrimps
look so tasty!
<<Ha!...indeed. There's always the possibility of trouble, but I've kept this
species in my reef for more than a year now without incident (I have shrimp and
snails but no hermits), and would heartily recommend you give them a try. I
think the biggest danger would be if you tried to introduce more shrimp after
the trigger is in the tank...would have to be introduced very carefully, not
just "dropped" in to the tank>>
My set up is 340 litre.
<<Mmm, marginal...should be "OK" for a time, but would like to see it in a
larger system for the long term>>
Stock includes leather and mushroom corals. 1 cleaner shrimp (Lysmata
amboinensis). Red- and blue-legged hermits. Turbo snails.
Fish list;
2 x Amphiprion ocellaris
1 x Ecsenius midas
2 x Pomacentrus alleni
1 x Neocirrhites armatus
1 x Centropyge bicolor
1 x Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
1 x Gramma loreto
1 x Ctenochaetus strigosus
Thank you for your time and expertise!
Bob Mehen
<<A pleasure to assist, Eric Russell>>
Re: Blue Throat Triggers in a Reef? - 07/18/06
Hi again you guys!
<<Hello Pam!>>
So, I took your advice (Eric) and I purchased two Blue Throat Triggers (BTT's)
directly from Hawaii a few weeks ago.
<<Ahh, Excellent!>>
They arrived a lot larger than we would have hoped, but they are beautiful
(especially him, but don't tell her!).
<<Indeed...wonderful fish>>
They looked very healthy but apparently came to me very stressed.
<<Hmm...possibly handled poorly>>
We weren't sure they were going to make it through the acclimation process (the
male was particularly stressed, bobbing head down in the tank and floating
almost completely upside down, it wasn't pretty).
<<Yikes!>>
Thankfully they did survive and once we got them eating a whole week later, they
seem great!
<<Yay!>>
It was very difficult to get them to eat. We tried everything from a homemade
fish food recipe all our other fish love, to live Brine shrimp, frozen Mysis,
krill, squid, and the list goes on.
<<I'm surprised by this, I must say>>
We tried to feed them for a full week to no avail......finally a fellow hobbyist
(from Wamus) told us about this frozen freshwater Mysis from Canada.
<<Yes, PE Mysis...an excellent food>>
He brought some over that night and we couldn't believe it...they inhaled the
Mysis!
<<Very good>>
I tried two other brands they did not touch before that!
<<Try them now...>>
Needless to say, I can't seem to feed them often enough-they love this high
protein stuff!
<<Be careful...several "small" feedings per day. Also, wouldn't hurt to soak
these in Selcon (or similar) a couple times a week>>
It is made by Piscine Energetic (FYI). For the past three weeks these BT are
feeding well, and looking terrific (until yesterday).
<<Ruht-Roh>>
We were planning on putting them in the main population since we just did our
water change in the main tank and my Q-tank is small for them. We noticed some
spots on the fins (especially on the male). We have been doing very regular
water changes in the Q (a few times a week) using water from the main tank and
keeping a very close eye on pH and ammonia. No issues. We did lose power a few
times about a week ago, but they had a battery air stone in there the whole time
(maybe it was stressful, but they seemed fine and the temp didn't change. They
are acting normal and look healthy so I don't know what to do about this (action
or ignore).
I don't think this is Ick because it doesn't look like salt and they aren't
scratching against the live rocks or anything. Luckily I am not a disease or
parasite expert since that has not been a problem in my tank and I have a UV
filter on the main tank. This looks like faded white spots on one of the tips
(not near the gills) of the male's fins and her lower fin (under her belly). I
am afraid to treat what I don't know and I am also afraid to do a freshwater dip
or anything that could stress these fish we have worked so hard to keep
acclimated and stress free. Does this sound like something that will treat
itself? Should I be worried? Do you know what this is?
<<Is smart of you not to panic/treat until you have confirmed the need to do
so. These spots are normal/natural markings...nothing to worry about. At first
glance they do appear very much like parasites, but careful observation will
reveal they are indeed markings on the fins>>
I have put some Kent Garlic Xtreme in the Mysis when I feed the past two
times-any other ideas?
<<I don't think you need be concerned...you can continue occasionally with the
garlic additive if you wish, it may serve as a preventive measure towards
internal parasites. You might also try it with the other foods as an
enticement>>
Long story short (I know, too late).....I am so happy you helped convince me to
get them.
<<It pleases me greatly to hear this>>
I can't wait to see them happy and swimming in the main tank. It was difficult
to get them acclimated and they have had some stress, but all in all seem to be
very happy and don't even stress during water changes anymore!
<<They will much appreciate a cave/crevice in which to hide/sleep...though they
probably won't inhabit the same one>>
It's been three weeks and I would like to take them out of the QT this week but
need to know if these barely visible spots are dangerous or if they will harm
my other fish. And what I should do if anything. I can't send a picture-it
doesn't show up.
<<No worries my friend. I believe all will be/is fine>>
Sorry to only write when I have a problem....but you always seem to save the
day.
<<Hee! High praise indeed!>>
Thanks!
Pam
<<Very welcome, do keep me posted on the pairs' progress. Regards, Eric
Russell>>
Blue Throat Triggers in a Reef? III - 07/18/06
Thanks again Eric-my hero!
<<I'm blushing, or maybe just beaming! <grin>... You're very welcome>>
I will keep an eye on them but feel much better now! I will try other
foods again with the garlic as you recommended.
<<Ah yes, and the Selcon/a vitamin product too>>
Thanks for the very quick reply and taking the time. You guys really
are a terrific resource and I appreciate that.
<<The guys and gals here are pleased to do what we can>>
Have a great day,
Pam
<<And you my friend. EricR>> |
Trigger Update and Some New Questions...Stocking/Compatibility - 08/06/06
Hi Crew!
<<Howdy!>>
First, I have some good news to report: Our blue throat triggers that we wrote
about a while back are now in the main tank (for the past two weeks) and seem to
be doing really well.
<<Yippee!>>
The fish seem happy and are very active, eat like crazy and don't bother their
tank mates. Yeah! (Thanks again Eric R. for all of your help!)
<<Hee! Tis me again! ...and you're very welcome!>>
Now, for the new issue:
<<Okay>>
Long story but it ends like this: Someone had a reef tank that completely
crashed and they were unable to care for the fish (tank was without circulation
for almost 24 hours, temp at 92 F, two dead fish in tank which probably raised
the ammonia).
<<Only two?>>
So, we rescued the remaining (barely) live fish and put them in our Q-tank to
see if they would recover before we could get them new homes.
<<Smart>>
Sad story turns good for most of the fish including two very young Percula
clowns, a Juv. Emperor Angel, and a small adult Majestic Angel. They seem happy
and healthy now. Unfortunately the fish in the worst shape was the Purple Tang
which is still not eating after two weeks! All of the fish are in the same
Q-tank, but the
poor Tang just seems to tread water and isn't doing much else. We have tried
all kinds of different food - various flake, frozen, live, Nori (soaked in
garlic, or Selcon) but nothing seems to work.
<<Mmm, if this fish doesn't recover/feed it won't be due to your lack of
trying>>
At first he was nearly completely faded and just leaned against the side of the
tank barely breathing. Now, his color has improved a great deal and he looks
pretty good. But he’s not active at all. We really don't want him to die, but
know if he doesn't eat soon, he will. (We’re dropping the temp in the Q-tank
from the usual 80F to 78F to slow down his metabolism). Is there anything you
can recommend to get him to eat?
<<I think you've done/are doing all you can...is up to the tang at this
point. Keep offering food daily, optimize water conditions...time will tell>>>>
This story leads me to my next and final issue for today:
We did not plan on adding any more fish after the Blue Throat Triggers, but we
have grown attached to these fish and have reconsidered finding them new homes.
<<I see>>
Our friend will put the Majestic and the Purple Tang in their reef, if he makes
it, but we’re considering keeping and putting the Percs and the Emperor Angel in
our main display tank. We have no idea what is considered too many fish in a
reef aquarium.
<<Highly variable...many factors to consider (system size/filtration, adult fish
size, species, environmental considerations/constraints, etc.)
It seems there are so many factors that can make a difference, so we are hoping
you can tell us if we are about to go over our capacity in the 7 foot long 260
gal tank:
<<Mmm...I'll give it a go...>>
The current inhabitants are:
Pair of Blue-throat Triggers (Male is approx. 7” and female is 6”)
1 Naso Tang (about 4.5”)
1 Yellow Tang (4”)
1 Blue Hippo Tang (4”)
1 Kole Tang (3.5”)
1 Coral Beauty (3”)
2 Firefish (2” each)
2 Purple Firefish (2.5”)
1 Mandarin (2.5)…but really fat!
2 Tomato Clowns (2.5 and 2”) [moving them to a breeder tank soon]
And:
3 Cleaner shrimp
2 Fire shrimp
Lots of hermits
Emerald crab
Various Corals
3 clams
All fish seem to get along except the Tomato clowns which are really
territorial.
<<Indeed...only fish I've ever had "draw blood" was a clown fish>>
We are planning to move them to a 29 gallon breeder tank with live rock and sand
and the anemone they host in.
<<Excellent>>
They have been laying eggs regularly and with any luck we can try raising the
fry.
<<I'd like to recommend you get a copy of the book by Joyce Wilkerson re
(http://www.fishlore.com/clownfishesbook-wilkerson.htm)>>
The main display reef has about 250 pounds of live rock, 40 gallon sump with LR
- ASM G3 skimmer - Aqua 25W UV - 3x250W DE Metal Halide/2x80W T5 - CPR Aquafuge
– Kalk Reactor - and we are about to add another 20L refugium to the system.
<<...? 20 liters or 20 gallons?>>
Do we have enough room to add the Emperor (knowing the zoos could be at
risk). Would this put us over the capacity?
<<The Naso and Hippo tangs will grow to be big, beefy fish...and the Naso may
even outgrow this system in time. But what you propose could work for a while>>
Would the Emperor bother my other fish?
<<Hmm, coming in last like it is...likely all will be fine>>
Thanks as always for your advice.
<<As always...happy to assist>>
-Pam and Rob
<<Regards, Eric Russell>>
Adding another fish, Blue-jaw Triggers (Xanthichthys auromarginatus) -
02/06/07
Hi Bob and crew.
<Crew here! Mich with you tonight!>
I have a 125G FOWLR and some polyps. About 100-125 lbs of live rock.
I have one Red Sea Sailfin Tang (4in)
one Scribbled Angel (3-4in)
one Cinnamon Clown
one Christmas Wrasse
One See-through Goby
one Green Mandarin
six Yellow Tail Damsels.
My fish are doing great, but I have always wanted a trigger. My faves are
Clown and Picasso but I don't want to risk their aggression. I have settled
on the Blue-jaw. I do have two
reservations. One, I think my tank may be overstocked with the addition of
the trigger.
<If your nitrates aren't already elevated, I think this would be a fine
addition.>
Two, I have read that they are very easily frightened and spend a lot of
time hiding.
<Blue-jaw Triggers (Xanthichthys auromarginatus) can be a little shy and may
spend a good deal of time hiding when they are first introduced, but
typically come around to become a more social member of the community.>
I wouldn't want to add a fish that I will rarely see.
<Understandable. May be a problem initially, but I think in the long term
will be ok>
What do you say?
<Hey! Hey! This was made in the USA?>
Thanks
<You're welcome! -Mich>
P.S.,
If you think the trigger is a bad idea, what fish would you recommend that
will fit well into my community, or am I done?
<I think you have made a good choice!>
Adding another fish, Blue-jaw
Triggers (Xanthichthys auromarginatus) 2/7/07
<Mich here again!>
Thanks again for a timely reply.
<Welcome!>
You guys are great.
<We try.>
If I do end up adding the trigger, can I add anymore small fish, and if yes,
what would be your choices?
<I would proceed slowly here. Take one thing at a time. Add the trigger and
see what happens. You don't want to push your filtration or psychologically
crowd the tank. With any possible future additions I would be thinking about
where the fish tends to spend its' time, i.e. is it a swimmer, a bottom dweller,
a percher etc., behavior type issues. Look at the typically behaviors of the
other fish in your system and think about where a small fish might fit
in. Don't forget about compatibility issues here also. You don't want to
provide live food in this instance! Patience here my friend.
-Mich>
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Crosshatch... trigger, Vlamingi tang incomp.
7/9/07
Hey guys, how's it going? Good I hope. So here's my question. I have a 155
bow front established for about 6 yrs. For the last 3 years I have 2 Vlamingi
Tangs
<Neat species, but need more room...>
and for about a year I have a male Crosshatch Trigger. They have all gotten
along very well. No problems during feedings or any other aggressive behavior.
Well yesterday I had the luck of coming across a female Crosshatch, she was
smaller than my male so I jumped on the opportunity to get her. Well so far they
are getting along perfect, but now the male crosshatch is acting very
aggressively towards the one Vlamingi. I can only assume that he is a male,
since they are both young there hasn't been any way to tell. My question is, is
this normal behavior for a Crosshatch or just one male showing his dominance to
another? And do you think it will subside in time?
Thank you.
Jay Uzzalinno
<These more open-water species are indeed territorial... and this is way too
small a space psychologically... Maybe adding a couple of "built up" arrangement
of rock ("bommies") will alleviate this agonistic behavior for a time... block
the line of sight... Pile them well, and high... to the surface if possible; and
either start saving for a much larger system, or plan to trade the Tangs in. Bob
Fenner>
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Sargassum trigger
comp.; Dog face puffer size – 07/30/07
Hi, sorry for another email, but here goes. I'm looking for some
info on a Sargassum Trigger.
<Xanthichthys ringens.>
A LFS has one and it is a gorgeous fish. I first read the bit on WetWeb
about its identity, and then the Compatibility FAQ on triggers. There
was one mention of the Sargassum in the compatibility FAQ, most are in
regards to undulates, clowns, and Picasso's, which, to my
understanding are quite different in temperament.
<True. The Sargassum trigger is more similar to the Bluethroat or Gilded
Trigger Xanthichthys auromarginatus. Both will reach around 1 foot, but
most often stay a little smaller.>
In my 200 gallon (72" x 24" x 27") I have a banded cat shark, a passer
angel (5"), a yellow tang and a dogface puffer (4"). I've had this
puffer for about 4 years, and he is really docile. He has been a 4" fish
his entire life, and I wonder if that is his adult length. Hmmm.
<Sure it is a dogface puffer aka Arothron nigropunctatus? This one
reaches 10 inches in the aquariums and more than a foot in the wild. I
have seen other Arothron spp. labeled as dogface, too. However, most are
even bigger. Hopefully his diet is varied.>
My question is whether or not a Sargassum would be compatible with these
fish, and more specifically about a Sargassum's characteristics.
<Comparable to other Xanthichthys spp. (using the genus to search for
information is worth a try) and in general rather docile (for a trigger)
and hardy. Crustaceans, clams and urchins may be eaten (most get along
well with them, though), larger fish are usually ignored. Beware all
triggers are personalities and may change their mind when becoming
adult. Your puffer is another species with a somewhat unpredictable
personality and it is hard to say for sure they will get along without
trouble long term. Another concern is that the trigger might bite the
fins of the shark. If you are lucky, it will work without problems, if
not… I would not buy this fish without another system or the option to
give it back.>
I purchased Axelrod's Marine Atlas (for 6$ on eBay, no less!!), which is
a fabulous book but very short in specifics on care, it is much more of
an identification book.
<Yes.>
The other book at the LFS describes the fish as reef safe and much more
compatible than other triggers. His jaw structure definitely looks
different than a 'typical' trigger like a clown or Picasso. I have not
purchased the fish, and maybe I won't at all, but it is certainly
tempting and I thought I might ask you guys first. We had the tank under
the quinine treatment for ick (still do, actually). The Powder Brown did
not make it, unfortunately, but all other fish are doing extremely well,
including the shark (and thanks again for the quinine info). I'm going
to continue the quinine treatment for the prescribed duration before we
think of adding anything.
<Good and good luck with your treatment. Be sure to let the system run
for a while even after the treatment to see if it worked properly before
adding anything.>
Thanks again. Thomas.
<You are welcome. Marco.>
Re: Sargassum trigger
comp.; Dog face puffer size follow up – 07/30/07
Marco,
<Thomas>
Fabulous stuff, thank you very much. Arothron nigropunctatus, in the
puffer ID section of WWM, is identical to my puffer. He may be closer to
5", realistically, but has been this length for years now.
<Interesting. Stunting and improper diet can probably be excluded due to
the large tank you have and the food you offer. I also assume/hope the
nitrates are permanently low given the other sensitive fishes. Aside
tank size, diet and water quality I cannot think of a factor, which
might stop the grow of your specimen. Possibly some issues in its early
life before you bought him.>
This is the one that bit my finger! Often times when I feed my shark at
night, I have to scoop him out of the way. As long as he doesn't think
my finger is food, he is docile, likes being rubbed, and eats out of my
hand. About 6 months ago I had purchased a tiny Picasso trigger, and the
INSTANT I placed him in the tank he attacked the puffer, so he was
removed and returned immediately.
<Another case of unpredictability. Some Rhinecanthus are quite docile,
this specimen not. A similar case cannot be excluded with the Sargassum,
but hopefully this time you are more lucky. I guess it will rather be
hiding for a while when introduced and not start attacking.>
He does receive a varied diet, of cocktail shrimp with Zoë, marine
cuisine, krill, and angel formula. He also eats his share of shark
formula, unfortunately.
<OK, good diet. The dog face puffers I know/knew personally which have
grown from 4 inches to almost 1 foot in captivity ate lots of mussels
and clams, because they seemed to like it and it abraded their teeth.
Could be worth a try in case you haven’t tested yet.>
He just has remained this size. I have no idea why. For a while he was
in an 80 gallon before the upgrade, but for most of the time he was
pretty much the only occupant. Anyway, thanks for the info. We won't be
adding the Sargassum trigger for a couple of weeks, while we observe the
system to make sure all of the ick was killed with the quinine. Thanks
again!
Thomas.
<You are welcome. Keep up the good work and enjoy. Marco.>
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Male Blue Jaw
Triggerfish…Wants Female? – 09/08/07
Good morning and thank you as always for your wonderful site.
<<Hi Jeanne…we’re all glad you like it>>
I hope this one is an easy question.
<<Hmm…is there such a thing in this hobby? Easy, maybe…simple, never…
But I digress…[grin]>>
I have a small (5") male Xanthichthys auromarginatus (I have had him
about 3 months) in my 150 gallon reef tank.
<<Wonderful fish… I kept a male/female pair in a 375g display for a
number of years>>
Lots of zoos, leathers, mushrooms, a couple of Crocea clams -only one
coral banded shrimp and one large Sally Lightfoot crab and large Purple
lobster, because the stupid --and not at all shy, may I add--Blue Hamlet
ate all the other shrimp.
<<Mmm, not the fault of the fish…is what a Blue Hamlet does (will
happily gobble down small fishes too!)…as research “before purchase”
would bear out>>
He is such a sweetheart that I would like to get a female Blue Jaw
Trigger.
<<Triggerfishes are quite intelligent and seem to develop distinct
personalities…very easy to see how a fish-keeper becomes attached. He
may seem “sweet” (do be cautious if hand-feeding), but adding another of
the same species, even though female, may not be possible>>
Can she be added at this point without him acting excessively aggressive
to her?
<<Probably not…at least not by just “dropping her in” the system. The
pair I had were special ordered as such…likely collected as a
pair…subsequently quarantined/held together right up to their
introduction to the display…and even so, there was the occasional
nip-and-chase. If you are willing to go to the trouble… I suggest you
set up a holding/quarantine tank of “at least” 29g (bigger the better)
with some bits of PVC pipe or fittings large enough for the female to
hide in. Place the female in this tank first then add the male and watch
closely for a while, and be ready to intervene if necessary. Unless the
aggression escalates to the point where one or the other is being
damaged, keep the fish here and watch them closely for a few days
allowing them to become “familiar’ with one another. Maybe you’ll get
lucky and the fish will “pair-up”…but do also be prepared to
rescue/return the female>>
He ignores even the smallest fish--Pajama cardinals and the Royal Gramma
and Blackcap Basslet, but one of his own kind may provoke a different
response.
<<Indeed, this fish is quite compatible with most inverts/other
peaceable fishes in my experience…quite “reef friendly” in my opinion.
But conspecifics can be a whole different matter…especially so once a
fish becomes “established” as yours surely has by now>>
Thank you very much in advance,
Jeanne
<<A pleasure to assist. EricR>>
Need some advice on my fish list
for my 150-gallon
Pull The Trigger? (Considering a Triggerfish in Stocking Plan)
11/26/07
Hi there everyone,
<Hey there! Scott F. in today!>
I'm hoping you guys can help me out. I've been reading through the
website and I must say I've learned an awful lot.
<Glad to hear that! We have some cool people who work very hard to bring
it to you every day!>
I'm going to set up my first saltwater tank and I need some help with my
fish list. The tank is 150 gallons and measures 48" long by 24" wide by
30" high. It's going to be a future reef tank lightly stocked with LPS
and fish. After doing some reading on Tangs I've decided to stay away
from them, as I've learned they really need a six-foot tank to thrive.
<I think that you made a responsible decision!>
Anyway, here are the fish I'm hoping to have: 1 Bluejaw Trigger
(Xanthichthys auromarginatus), 2 common Clowns (Amphiprion ocellaris), 1
Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani), 1 Sixline Wrasse
(Pseudocheilinus hexataenia), and 1 Coral Beauty Angel (Centropyge
bispinosus). What do you think of these fish for this tank? I'd greatly
appreciate any feedback and any other fish suggestions you may have.
Thanks in advance,
Shannon O'Rourke
<Well, Shannon- I think that you put considerable effort into
researching and developing this stocking list! My only reservation
(always seems to be one, right?) is the Trigger. Although this species
is certainly one of the more "passive" Triggerfish (an oxymoron, huh?),
it can display some aggressive tendencies on occasion, and it does have
much of the same dental equipment as the more nasty ones! There is
potential for this fish to nip or become more aggressive with age. My
friend had one that started out as a perfect gentleman, but grew into a
holy terror, taking out a few tankmates along the way. On the other
hand, I've seen others that were excellent citizens, living for years in
community aquariums without incident. It's kind of a dice roll, really.
If you are planning on keeping shrimp, I'd say that your odds of ending
up with an all-you-can eat shrimp buffet will increase as the Trigger
grows! Don't keep 'em with shrimp! Bottom line is that you could include
the Trigger in your plan if you're willing to accept the potential risks
that the fish poses. Do also keep in mind that this Trigger can hit 8
plus inches in size, and the need for larger quarters as the fish grows
must be taken into consideration. Hope this helps! Regards, Scott F.>
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