Queen Triggerfish Care Guide
Balistes vetula is a large Atlantic triggerfish reaching 60 cm, an invertebrate predator requiring very large fish-only marine systems.
Overview
Balistes vetula, the queen triggerfish, belongs to the family Balistidae. FishBase records it as a reef-associated Atlantic species reaching 60 cm in total length, with a maximum reported lifespan of 23 years. It has a steel-grey to olive body marked with blue lines radiating from the eyes and orange around the mouth.
Taxonomy
- Family: Balistidae
- Genus: Balistes
- Scientific name: Balistes vetula
Habitat
FishBase reports a Western and Eastern Atlantic distribution. Wikipedia details a Western Atlantic range from Massachusetts to Brazil and the Caribbean Sea, and an Eastern Atlantic range from the Azores to southern Angola. The species occurs over rocky or coral areas, recorded to 275 m but usually within 3-30 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 1000 L (about 264 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 feeds primarily on benthic invertebrates. Wikipedia lists sea urchins, crabs and chitons, plus shrimps, snails, bivalves, small fishes and brittle stars. FishBase notes the behaviour of blowing water to overturn sea urchins before attacking their less-defended undersides.
Compatibility
Wikipedia notes the species is generally shy around divers but extremely aggressive when guarding eggs. It is not reef-safe and is kept only with other large robust fish such as large angelfish and tangs. Avoid ornamental shrimp, snails, crabs and small fish.
Breeding
Wikipedia reports year-round breeding, with most spawnings around the full moon. The female digs shallow sand pits for the eggs and intensively guards the offspring.
Conservation status
FishBase lists the species as Near Threatened (assessed 6 June 2011). Wikipedia notes healthy populations in U.S. and Caribbean waters but losses exceeding 90% since the 1980s in Brazilian and Gulf of Guinea waters.