Niger Trigger Long Term Care

schooleyosis · May 8, 2014

I am curious for all the owners who have kept a Niger Trigger for a substantial amount of time if there are any special requirements to properly care for them? I've read that they need to be fed clam shells or crab shells or something to keep their teeth filed down. Is this really the case? I know some puffers require this but do the Niger Triggers?

Also, any tips on feeding or care to help me successfully keep one for many years to come? Right now the one I have is between 2-3 inches and eats everything I throw in the tank but I want to make sure I'm meeting the fish's needs.

skinz78 · May 8, 2014

I've never kept one, I'm scared to keep triggers with my clams.

schooleyosis · May 8, 2014

Don't blame ya!

Saltgator · May 8, 2014

Imo, I'd feed him like you would a tank and angel combined. Nori and a complete nutritional food source containing vitamins and other sorts. I've never kept them but know someone that's had them a couple years. She occasionally offered live food (ghost shrimp) but also fed pellets. I think I've read the same info on the teeth too.

schooleyosis · May 8, 2014

Brad, do you mind checking with your friend to see if she ever has had to do anything special for the teeth filing issues? I appreciate your input up to this point. I think I could throw a piece of bacon in the QT and it would eat it. LOL

Saltgator · May 8, 2014

schooleyosis said:
Brad, do you mind checking with your friend to see if she ever has had to do anything special for the teeth filing issues? I appreciate your input up to this point. I think I could throw a piece of bacon in the QT and it would eat it. LOL

K. I'll ask her. Bacon has plenty of protein, lol.

schooleyosis · May 8, 2014

:tongue: Thanks!

becca10 · May 8, 2014

I've had my Niger almost a year. He eats anything, and I mean anything, I put in the tank. I feed silver sides, frozen foods and he even eats the seaweed for the fox face! I think the pellets help with the teeth, can hear them grinding when I give the pellets at night!

powdermonkey · May 8, 2014

I've had mine around 6yrs. Even when I feed clams he sucks it out more than he uses his teeth. I have two clams in my tank and have for years with no problems.