Triggerfish for smaller tanks?

Zionas · Jan 20, 2021

Hi I wonder if there are any smaller Triggerfish suitable for a not very big tank? Basically 125-130G but with a 70” x 24” footprint. How big do Triggers usually grow?

I know there’s the Blue Throat but is it true that these pelagic species are less hardy than others like the Rhinecanthus? Will one purchased as a male likely revert to female? Will one purchased as a female likely change into a male and retain those colors?

How quickly do they grow? I don’t want a fish that I can’t keep for life as I’m not sure when I can upgrade, though I definitely love to.

Thanks.

Zionas · Jan 20, 2021

Basically I am considering:

1. Blue Throat
2. Picasso
3. Rectangular
4. Bursa / Black Belly

SPR1968 · Jan 20, 2021

I’ve got a pair of Blue Throat triggers in my S650 which is around the size you mention, certainly as far as total volume

Their very active swimmers and also need rockwork as they make a home in it or under it in my case

They don’t grow that fast, I’ve had mine around 4 years and there still fine we’re they are, but if necessary they have a very big home to go to.

Theres some pictures on my build thread and also videos of when they start their mating dance

Zionas · Jan 20, 2021

That would be really cool to see. Would you say they’re just as active as Tangs?

Zionas · Jan 20, 2021

How big were they when you got them and how big are they now?

Zionas · Jan 20, 2021

Also any difference in activity levels between Rhinecanthus and Xancithys? I know the latter are pelagic swimmers.

GoVols · Jan 20, 2021

Zionas said:
Hi I wonder if there are any smaller Triggerfish suitable for a not very big tank? Basically 125-130G but with a 70” x 24” footprint. How big do Triggers usually grow?

I know there’s the Blue Throat but is it true that these pelagic species are less hardy than others like the Rhinecanthus? Will one purchased as a male likely revert to female? Will one purchased as a female likely change into a male and retain those colors?

How quickly do they grow? I don’t want a fish that I can’t keep for life as I’m not sure when I can upgrade, though I definitely love to.

Thanks.

Blue Throat triggers need calm and peace to get established and feel at home. Once they acclimate they're very hardy. If you have a male or female they do not switch to the other sex. They kinda glide around and very peaceful, but they do like hiding spots for comfort.

Your tank size should meet the minimum requirements.

lion king · Jan 20, 2021

I have known Rhinecanthus genus triggers live their entire lives in a 125, more than a decade easily for these fish. The picasso being the most aggressive of the 3 you mentioned, but still mild in regards to some of the more aggressive triggers. Key points; get an itty bitty one, picasso's are always found less than 2", and so fun to grow up. Growing up with their tank mates will provide at least a higher chance of compatibility when mature. The tank needs to be lightly stocked with other semi aggressive fish that can hold their own.. They grow slowly, some have even described them as growing painfully slow.

The blue throats are the most boring fish I have ever kept, I had a pair in my 210g and after years finally tore the tank apart to get them out. I gave them away. These are not for trigger enthusiast.

Zionas · Jan 20, 2021

I see. Thanks for getting back. What max size can the Rhinecanthus be expected to reach, and what about the Blue Throats? Do Blue Throats grow quickly?

What kinds of fish would be incompatible with the Rhinecanthus? Thanks a lot.

polyppal · Jan 20, 2021

Zionas said:
Hi I wonder if there are any smaller Triggerfish suitable for a not very big tank? Basically 125-130G but with a 70” x 24” footprint. How big do Triggers usually grow?

I know there’s the Blue Throat but is it true that these pelagic species are less hardy than others like the Rhinecanthus? Will one purchased as a male likely revert to female? Will one purchased as a female likely change into a male and retain those colors?

How quickly do they grow? I don’t want a fish that I can’t keep for life as I’m not sure when I can upgrade, though I definitely love to.

Thanks.

When your thread title said smaller tank I expected someone trying to keep one in a Nano

You should be fine for any in that volume. Unless your buying one thats already huge/show size it would take many many years to outgrow a 6ft tank

bam123 · Jan 20, 2021

I have had picasso and clown triggers before. Great fish. I now have a pair of blue throat triggers in a 150 gallon with super high flow. They look great. Very peaceful watching them swim all over. They don't bother the other fish or inverts. They are not as striking, but very pretty in a very understated way.

vetteguy53081 · Jan 20, 2021

Niger , bursa and Picasso

CMMorgan · Jan 20, 2021

@HB AL Want to jump in here?
OP go check out his tank - smaller than yours and a trigger haven....

Zionas · Jan 20, 2021

I don’t want it to outgrow a 6ft tank, upgrade would be great not sure when it’s going to happen. What I meant is whether any can be kept in there for life. xD

Zionas · Jan 20, 2021

Ahhh ok what about a Blue Throat? Do they get too big?

bam123 · Jan 21, 2021

NIGERS triggers get huge and grow quick.

Zionas · Jan 21, 2021

Ahhh ok but does he intend to keep them for life?

FangsAndGames · Jan 21, 2021

I have a nice niger trigger but lately he’s becoming quite the bully and even killed a purple fire fish I tried to introduce to the tank. All of the other fish clearly fear him so I might have to remove him.

Zionas · Jan 21, 2021

How big is the Trigger and how big is your tank?

lion king · Jan 21, 2021

Zionas said:
I see. Thanks for getting back. What max size can the Rhinecanthus be expected to reach, and what about the Blue Throats? Do Blue Throats grow quickly?

What kinds of fish would be incompatible with the Rhinecanthus? Thanks a lot.

The rhinecanthus don't get near their listed size. I had a picasso for 12-13 years and i would say he never reached 7". The one I have now is approaching 6" and his growth is now unnoticeable. Unless their was a monster collected I've never seen one over 7". They do get pretty thick though, and around 5" they get pretty tough. One would be fine with the other fish you've mentioned. Smaller large angels, I would go with a pair of the same species or maybe a male of one and a female of another, two males in a 125g could be more of a risk. The small tangs are good. The foxy would be fine. But nothing like the firefish and the like. Sounds like all the fish I've seen you interested in would fit in nicely.