Care
The Bluelined Triggerfish is known from clear, shallow lagoons and the edges of seaward reefs, at depths between 30-50m (98-164ft). Juvenile fish tend to stay inshore close to small rubbly outcrops, whereas adults tend to frequent deeper reefs and shipwrecks, where they may be observed feeding on corals, crustaceans, dead fish, molluscs, sea urchins, and tunicates. These fish are best suited to a boisterous fish-only set-up. It is not unusual for these fish to attain over 18", 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 decor 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 very belligerent and highly territorial nature, keep only one specimen per tank, and not with any other Triggerfish species. Smaller fish will end up on the menu, so only choose tankmates of similar size and disposition (i.e. large, boisterous fish that can hold their own). It has been reported that divers tend to stay respectfully clear of this species in the wild due to their fearless, aggressive nature. Juveniles that are under 5cm in length sport a yellowish colouration with dark saddles and numerous wavy lines on the body. As the fish mature, these dark saddles are lost, the flanks become yellow-brown, and the fish become covered in a network of brilliant blue lines which become increasingly interconnected with growth. 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 Blue Triggerfish, Blue & Gold Triggerfish, Brown Triggerfish, Rippled Triggerfish, or Yellowspotted 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 Bluelined 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.
