XanthTrigSysF

FAQs about Xanthichthys Triggerfishes, Systems

Related Articles: Xanthichthys Triggers, Triggerfish, Red Sea Triggerfishes,

Triggerfishes for Marine Aquariums
Diversity, Selection & Care
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by Robert (Bob) Fenner

Sargassum trigger, beh., sys. 6/10/13
Hi,
<Frank>
I have a Redtail triggerfish a 57 gallon tank.
<Mmm, needs more room than this>
I know he's supposed to be in a bigger tank but he is a small fish at 3 inches. I know I can house him in this tank for a year before he gets big enough to transport into a bigger tank or donate into my lfs. My question is that he likes to swim in circles around my MP 40 during random parts of the day. Is this a normal thing for a triggerfish to do or do you have any knowledge that triggerfish like doing this in general?
Thank you.
<Is normal to be active... swim in patterns; but this can likewise be symptomatic of neurotic behavior; being bored...
Bob Fenner>

My Blue Jaw Trigger Jumped :( 6/9/11
Well, I have to share this with someone -- and I think you guys/gals might really care.
<We do>
My blue-jaw trigger decided to jump today after being in my 125g (6') for about 2 years. I had a pair of them (supposed to be a mated pair -- not!).
I took one out to my LFS to keep the other one happy. He's had the run of the tank for 6 months or more. Today, he decided to carpet surf -- for what reason I don't know! I found him too late to revive. I did revive a 6-line wrasse once -- he's never jumped again!
Anyway -- I'm pretty bummed about it -- just thought I cry on someone's shoulder :(
-gene
<The only group I've yet to witness that can't/don't leap are some of the Gasterosteiforms (Seahorses, Pipes)...! Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Re: My Blue Jaw Trigger Jumped :( 6/10/11
Thanks for the note, Bob. Funny how things happen. I was thinking of selling the trigger to someone with a larger tank. As you know, triggers really love to swim. This guy was on the move constantly. I was a bit concerned that he didn't have the room he wanted even in my 6' tank. Of course, this is not how I wanted to part with him. I'm left with a Naso, Yellow Tang, 6-line, blenny, copper banded butterfly, and flame angel.
Everyone gets along fine -- and frankly, things seem much calmer.
Are you going to Des Moines?
-gene
<I am not. I only attend such venues as a presenter, and none of the vendors (in the trade) nor the current club have asked for my help. Am off to Fiji for a couple months instead. BobF>
Re: My Blue Jaw Trigger Jumped :( 6-10-11
Hey Hey Hey -- Fiji beats Des Moines (or most any place) day in day out!
Have a wonderful trip -- post some pics when you return.
-gene
<Will do so assuredly Gene. Cheers, BobF>

Xanthichthys auromarginatus (blue throat trigger) Sys. 1/13/11
Hey crew
After extensive research over the forums on the WWM site, I can't find the survivability rating for the Xanthichthys auromarginatus (blue throat trigger). Bob states that these triggers languish in aquariums any smaller than 1000 gallons
<Mmm, no. Where have you seen this?>
yet I have read some of the crew members having success keeping them in tanks much smaller. The headline above this genus says "Not mean but not necessarily hardy.....". I purchased a 4" male who is a little shy but is eating and swimming most of the time. What are my chances of keeping this guy alive and well in a 90gal FOWLR with great filtration and a protein skimmer with plenty of hiding places/caves?
<Pretty good...>
I don't believe in keeping fish that have a better chance of perishing than surviving so I will take him back to the store and get a credit if there is a bigger chance he won't make it. What do you think? Would love
to hear from Bob on this one.
Thanks, Jay
<This is an exemplary species of Balistid... Relatively hardy and outgoing. Bob Fenner>
Re: Hey crew. & comp. Bodianus diana 1/14/11
Bob, this is what I found under "Triggerfishes of the Cook Islands" on WWM under Xanthichthys Balistids:
"There are two species of the genus Xanthichthys here as well, but these shy, oceanic species should really only be displayed in huge public aquarium systems. They languish in small (less than thousands of gallons) tanks.
Much the same can be said for the circum-tropical Spotted Oceanic Triggerfish found here. It rarely survives long in captivity."
<Oh... yes Jason... this is Xanthichthys mento...
http://wetwebmedia.com/marine/fishes/triggers/xanthichthys/index.htm
Not sure if I am misreading this or if it was worded incorrectly. Well, I am glad to hear there is a good chance they he will thrive.
<Oh yes>
I also just purchased a 4" Diana's Hogfish and I am kind of concerned he is going to be too aggressive with my clarkii clown and 3" Heniochus. You state under the "Hogfish" page that you have never observed any agonistic behavior from any species of the genus. Yet in the Bio next to this particular fish, you state that beyond it's 10" size that it can become down right belligerent.
<I have never encountered a specimen in captivity more than about half this length.>
What are your thoughts on this fish's aggression level in a 90gal if put in last?
<Likely no worries>
He is actually my favorite so far. His swimming pattern is very majestic similar to a larger marine angel. I just have to let you know that I base my whole regime on your advice and opinions. I can't tell you one time that you led me the wrong way. I have been following your book and website since 2003. Thanks so much for your time and dedication to helping us "aquarists".....it is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
<Welcome my friend. BobF>

Xanthichthys mento temperature needs 4/14/10
Greetings Crew,
<Salutations!>
The best LFS in the Phoenix area has 2 pair of Crosshatch Triggers in QT and on the way to the floor in about 10 days.
<Nice! But a bit pricey for me'¦ I do understand why some people will pay extraordinary amounts for beautiful fishes, but are these bought and paid for what reason? As status symbols? Because there are plenty of other species that are just as enjoyable to keep, just as beautiful and a fraction of the cost in most all cases..>
Aqua Touch has an excellent reputation for providing outstanding rare fish. The price is quite good and this has always been a favourite of mine.
<It's a very nice fish.. don't buy it under 4 inches body length>
My tank is a 240 gallon Aggressive Reef, (just some soft corals) with the Alpha fish being an 8 inch A. Sohal,
<then don't get this fish too large either or there will be trouble>
he is the boss, but rarely needs to show it. My question would be about the temperature needs of the Crosshatch, as I know they are caught in fairly deep water. My tank runs between 78 and 81.5 during the Summer. Would this be acceptable for these rather pricey pets.
<I should say so. This article points to the lower temp's being better, but I would think that the range you quote would be just about right http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/oct2002/Fish.htm>
I know they are "big swimmers" (like the Sohal), I do have an upgrade coming in about 2 years to 10 x 4 feet.
<Should be fine here, as long as the fish is the right size>
Thank you for your advice.
<No problem Kirk. Good luck with your prize fishes!! Simon>
Kirk

Questionable Aquarium Service...Trying To Do What's Needed - 09/22/06 Dear Wet Web Crew, <<Hello>> My employer has a beautiful 200-gallon salt-water tank, and has a tank service that comes in and cares for this tank. <<Ok>> I have a serious lack of confidence in this company because I did a little research on your site and they have made many really bad mistakes. <<Some do yes, but doesn't mean this one is "bad". Have you been able to talk to other/previous customers of this company? Have they done anything to make you feel uncomfortable with their level of service?>> First, they got the chemicals wrong in the tank, which killed most of the fish. <<Ahh...I see...sounds like you may have good reason for your concerns...>> Then, when they replaced the fish, they brought us 5 crabs, a blue-throat Triggerfish, 3 assorted angelfish <<Mmm...>> (in separate bags. NOT introduced at the same time), and a pair of ocellaris (among others). Of course, the Trigger ate the crabs immediately. I am an administrative assistant with little/no knowledge of fish, and have been tasked with taking care of their diet, and making sure they get what they need. <<Sounds like you need to start doing some reading/researching my friend. Google searches on our site and the NET re the species names will yield much information>> So I need a little advice from professionals that actually care about the fish. After the initial eating of the crabs, and the disappearance of one of the smaller Angelfish (which after reading on your site I found out why <<...?>>), the blue-throat trigger has started exhibiting odd behavior. He lies down at the bottom of the tank on his right side, and just lays very still for long periods on time. <<Maybe not all that "odd" after all. Is there live rock in this tank? (should be if there isn't)...Does this tank have any type of decor/rock work? These triggers will very often "rest" in a hole or crevice in the reef during the day, and definitely at night. If the tank is not suitably aquascaped the trigger may be merely "resting" on the bottom of the tank>> He is still eating well (They get frozen shrimp, the cubed kind once a day, and Formula 2 the blue-green algae variety flakes twice daily). <<Do look in to obtaining some New Life Spectrum Marine pellets and a frozen "Angel" food formulated specifically for their care. Feed these AND the frozen shrimp, with the flakes, twice daily>> His color has faded a bit, but he doesn't have any spot or slime on him, and he hasn't rearranged the tank in a while- he used to do that all the time. I read one of your entries about one having similar behavior in a 20 gallon tank, and you said the tank was too small but I don't think that is the case here- the tank is 200 gallons. <<Agreed...but that doesn't mean there aren't more/other environmental factors at play here...such as water chemistry or the "design" of the tank itself>> Could he be malnourished or ill? <<Maybe...the trigger needs several small feedings of meaty foods daily. The Spectrum pelleted food and the frozen shrimp fed at least twice a day will help. For even better nourishment of ALL the fish, consider getting/soaking the food in Selcon and/or Vita-Chem a couple times a week>> And is there some product or variety of food I should tell my boss to get for him? <<Ah yes!...as explained>> Cordially, Jane <<I want to help Jane, do write back if you need further clarification on anything...and try to give me as much information about the system as you can (filtration/maintenance/aquascaping (or lack of), etc.). Regards, Eric Russell>> Re: Questionable Aquarium Service...Trying To Do What's Needed -- 10/11/06 Dear Eric, <<Hello Jane>> I just wanted to thank you for your excellent advice. <<Was my pleasure to provide>> It has been about two weeks since you emailed me with the suggestions. We invested in New Life Spectrum Marine Pellets, and we also purchased a lot more coral decorations to go on the live rock. <<This pelleted food is an excellent staple for your fish>> We hired a company to change out the coral and clean the tank/maintain the filtration system every two weeks. <<Excellent...but I do hope you/someone 'monitors' the tank on a daily basis>> They have been instructed to bring in lots of smaller shells and other such toys for the occupants. <<Mmm...do be careful not to create detritus traps>> Our Bluethroat Triggerfish has perked up considerably; I think he may have been suffering from boredom. <<Indeed...these are intelligent and personable fish...and somewhat 'shy' at times. It's never good to place fish in a 'plain glass box' devoid of proper structure/hiding places...is very stressful>> All the fish seem to be a little brighter and a lot more active. <<Good signs>> Thanks again for your excellent advice and support. <<I'm glad it proved useful...thank you for the follow-up>> Peace and Blessings, Jane
<<Regards, EricR>>

Triggerfishes for Marine Aquariums
Diversity, Selection & Care
New eBook on Amazon: Available here
New Print Book on Create Space: Available here

by Robert (Bob) Fenner

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