Undulated Triggerfish Care Guide
Balistapus undulatus is a highly territorial Indo-Pacific triggerfish reaching 30 cm, feeding on benthic invertebrates and best kept singly.
Overview
Balistapus undulatus, the undulated or orange-lined triggerfish, belongs to the family Balistidae. FishBase records it as a reef-associated Indo-Pacific species reaching 30 cm in total length. It has a stocky, laterally compressed body with a dark brown to dark green ground colour crossed by orange lines and an orange caudal fin.
Taxonomy
- Family: Balistidae
- Genus: Balistapus
- Scientific name: Balistapus undulatus
Habitat
FishBase reports the range from the Red Sea south to Natal, South Africa, east to the Line, Marquesan and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan and south to the southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. It occurs from 0 to 60 m in coral environments, with Wikipedia noting a preference for 2-8 m around burrows and dens.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L (about 132 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: high
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
Diet
This carnivore consumes benthic organisms. FishBase lists algae, echinoderms, fishes, molluscs, tunicates, sponges and hydrozoans; Wikipedia notes it is an important predator of burrowing sea urchins (Echinometra mathaei). In aquaria it is fed meaty marine foods twice daily.
Compatibility
Wikipedia describes the species as solitary and territorial, able to slide sideways into crevices to evade predators. It is not reef-safe and is housed only with other large robust fish such as large angelfish and tangs. Avoid ornamental shrimp, snails, crabs and small fish.
Breeding
FishBase reports spawning in loose aggregations with nesting in channels. Eggs are laid in a single spongy cluster in a shallow excavation in rubble or sand, hatching at night, and nests are guarded by one or sometimes two adults.
Conservation status
FishBase lists the species as Least Concern, assessed 11 January 2022.