Niger Triggerfish (Odonus niger) Care Guide
Odonus niger is a deep blue Indo-Pacific triggerfish with red teeth that forms feeding schools in current-swept reefs.
Overview
Odonus niger, the redtoothed or Niger triggerfish, is a marine fish of the family Balistidae and the only member of its genus. It has a deep blue to purple body, a lighter blue head and a lyre-shaped tail, with two distinctive red teeth visible in the upper jaw. FishBase records a maximum total length of 50.0 cm, with a common length of 30.0 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Balistidae
- Genus: Odonus
- Scientific name: Odonus niger
- Described by Rüppell in 1836
Habitat
The species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa eastward through northern Australia to the Line, Marquesas and Society Islands, north to southern Japan. It inhabits reef channels and slopes subject to strong currents. FishBase gives a depth range of 5 to 110 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 600 L (about 158 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness / GH range: 8-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
Diet
Odonus niger is carnivorous, with a FishBase trophic level of 3.4. In the wild it feeds mainly on zooplankton and sponges, forming large schools to feed in the current. In captivity it accepts meaty marine foods offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
Although it forms large schools in nature, in the aquarium it is an aggressive species that swims in the middle water column. It is best kept with other large, robust fish such as large angels and large tangs. Because it can prey on small fish and invertebrates, ornamental shrimp, snails, crabs and small fish should be avoided. It is among the more reef-tolerant triggers but is kept with caution.
Breeding
Odonus niger is oviparous and forms distinct pairs; females tend the eggs while both parents guard the nest. Captive breeding is regarded as expert-level and is rarely achieved in home aquaria.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2022).