Blue-jaw Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus) Care Guide
The most reef-safe triggerfish available, with males sporting a stunning blue chin and golden-edged fins. Planktivorous rather than benthic, so it does not dig or rearrange rocks.
Overview
Xanthichthys auromarginatus is a species in the family Balistidae. The most reef-safe triggerfish available, with males sporting a stunning blue chin and golden-edged fins. Planktivorous rather than benthic, so it does not dig or rearrange rocks. Relatively peaceful for a trigger. Males and females look very different (sexual dimorphism).
Taxonomy
- Family: Balistidae
- Genus: Xanthichthys
- Scientific name: Xanthichthys auromarginatus
- Other names: Bluechin Triggerfish, Gilded Triggerfish
- Origin: Indo-Pacific
Habitat
Xanthichthys auromarginatus is a planktivorous triggerfish of Indo-Pacific reef slopes, where it feeds on zooplankton in open water above the reef. Males bear a blue jaw. It is comparatively reef-tolerant for a trigger but may sample some invertebrates.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- KH: 8-12 dKH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 18-22 cm
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Position in tank: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Tangs, Wrasses, Clownfish, Angelfish
- Avoid with: Other Triggerfish, Small Shrimp
Reef compatibility
Generally classified as reef-safe with caution: may disturb other sessile invertebrates, sting neighbouring corals or prey on small ornamental shrimps, so placement and tankmates need consideration.
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-layer
- Breeding difficulty: advanced