Boomerang Triggerfish (Sufflamen bursa) Care Guide
Sufflamen bursa is an Indo-Pacific triggerfish of clear reefs, marked by curved bands behind the eye and feeding on benthic invertebrates.
Overview
Sufflamen bursa, the boomerang, lei or scythe triggerfish, is a marine fish of the family Balistidae. It is generally pale, with two curved bands behind each eye that wrap around the head like a Hawaiian lei; band colour shifts between yellow, brown and black. FishBase records a maximum total length of 25.0 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Balistidae
- Genus: Sufflamen
- Scientific name: Sufflamen bursa
- Described by Bloch & Schneider in 1801
Habitat
The species ranges across the Indo-Pacific from East Africa eastward through northern Australia to the Hawaiian, Marquesas and Pitcairn islands, north to southern Japan. It inhabits clear inner and outer reef habitats, from exposed algal reef flats to deep zones along drop-offs. FishBase gives a depth range of 0 to 120 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (about 106 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
Sufflamen bursa is carnivorous, with a FishBase trophic level of 2.9. Its diet includes crabs, bivalves, gastropods, echinoids, tunicates, worms, algae, eggs and detritus. In captivity it accepts meaty marine foods offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
This is an aggressive, non-schooling species that swims in the middle water column; in the wild it is usually solitary or in pairs. It is not reef-safe and is best kept with other large, robust fish such as large angels and large tangs. Because it preys on invertebrates, ornamental shrimp, snails, crabs and small fish should be avoided.
Breeding
Sufflamen bursa is oviparous and forms distinct pairs. Captive breeding is regarded as expert-level and is rarely achieved in home aquaria.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2022). FishBase rates its fishing vulnerability as low.