Yellow-margin Triggerfish Care Guide

Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus is a large Indo-Pacific triggerfish reaching 60 cm, an invertebrate and coral feeder needing very large systems.

Overview

Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus, the yellowmargin triggerfish, belongs to the family Balistidae. FishBase records it as a reef-associated Indo-Pacific species reaching 60 cm in total length, often found in silty environments.

Taxonomy

• Family: Balistidae
• Genus: Pseudobalistes
• Scientific name: Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus

Habitat

FishBase reports the range from the Red Sea to East Africa, eastward through northern Australia to the Tuamotu Islands, and north to southern Japan. It occupies coastal to inner reefs, estuaries, lagoon slopes and floors and coral reefs at depths of 2-80 m, in tropical waters of about 22-27 °C.

Tank requirements

• Minimum tank volume: 1500 L (about 396 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 coral branch tips, gastropods, crustaceans, foraminiferans, tunicates and sea urchins according to FishBase. It is not reef-safe given its consumption of coral. In aquaria it is fed meaty marine foods twice daily.

Compatibility

FishBase describes the species as generally solitary or in pairs, with young forming small groups when abundant. It 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 biparental care, with females tending eggs while both parents guard the nest. Spawning nests are depressions up to 2 m wide and 0.7 m deep, and females can deposit up to 430,000 or more eggs per event.

Conservation status

FishBase lists the species as Least Concern (assessed 13 January 2022).