Care
Blue Triggerfish are powerful swimmers that inhabit reef channels and seaward reefs that are subject to strong currents. Juvenile fish are often associated with isolated patches of rubble where there are plenty of large shelters for them to hide within, whereas adults tend to form aggregations in open water in order to feed on zooplankton, sponges, and various crustaceans. These fish are best suited to a moderately boisterous fish-only set-up. It is not unusual for these fish to attain over 18" in length including the long tail filaments, so the aquarium must be especially spacious (wide as well as long, to allow the fish a good turning circle). This will also enable you to aquascape the tank with a good quantity of live rock which will provide refuges for the triggerfish when resting or if startled, whilst still being able to maintain a decent amount of open swimming space along the front of the aquarium. Ensure that all décor is secure as these fish are more than capable of rearranging things to their liking. Also be aware that triggerfish are notorious for biting through tubing, and even heaters, so it is worth thinking very carefully about where you place your equipment. Powerful filtration and vigorous water movement are absolutely essential for the wellbeing of this energetic fish. Due to a highly territorial nature, keep only one specimen per tank, and not with any other Triggerfish species. Smaller fish are likely to end up on the menu, so only choose tankmates of similar size and disposition. As these fish mature, the teeth take on a distinctly red colour, hence one of its alternative common names: Redtooth Triggerfish. Although these curious, intelligent triggerfish often become "hand tame" and beg for food whilst making grunting noises, it is not advisable to feed directly from your hands as the fingers could easily be mistaken for a meaty snack. Always keep a close eye on where the fish is when carrying out any maintenance in the tank. As with many of the Balistid species, personalities of these fish can be quite varied. A new added specimen may be a little shy at first, but it will soon gain confidence as it grows. May also be seen on sale as Niger Triggerfish.
Feeding
Should be offered a wide variety of meaty foods such as vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, krill, cockle, prawns, mussel, squid, clam meat etc. Will also eat frozen foods containing marine algae/greenfoods. Small amounts should be fed 3 times per day.
Breeding
Little is known about the spawning habits of the Blue Triggerfish, other than they form distinct pairs during courtship. They are unlikely to spawn in the home aquarium as even the largest of tanks may not provide enough territory for more than one specimen.
