Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: No

General Description: The Golden Heart Trigger, also referred to as the Blue Spotted or West African Queen Trigger, is native to the eastern Atlantic Ocean from Morocco to the Canary Islands. Little is known about this fish, as it has only been in the hobby for approximately the past two decades and is periodically available. Overall, their body is yellow to cream colored, with black dots and a pronounced yellow marking behind the pectoral fins in which it gets the name “golden heart.” With maturation, the Golden heart trigger will also exhibit elegant blue lines on its face. Triggerfish are known to change color based on their environment or mood, and the Golden heart trigger is no exception. They have been observed to change their body color from dark to washed out in a matter of 60 seconds. While this trigger is closely related to the Queen Triggerfish (Balistes vetula), the demeanor of the Golden heart trigger is quite the opposite of this relative. While they certainly do not take any grief from tank-mates that start a quarrel, the Golden heart trigger will not go out of its way to cause issue in the aquarium. Golden heart triggers are slow growers, and are reported to reach a size of approximately 24″ in the wild.

Diet Requirements: Golden heart triggers are carnivores. A diet consisting of various proteins and frozen preparations such as brine shrimp, squid, mysis shrimp, krill, chopped fish, and clams will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as triggers are continually active and have high metabolisms.

Care Requirements: A minimum 200 gallon aquarium that is at least 18″ wide is ideal. Smaller specimens can be temporarily raised in smaller quarters (no less than 125 gallons) as long as it is upgraded accordingly. Like all triggers, the Golden heart trigger appreciates abundant live rock in the aquarium, especially caves and crevices to take refuge in if felt threatened. Compatability with other trigger species is variable, but only one Golden heart trigger should be kept per aquarium. Golden heart triggerfish are not reef safe because they will consume various invertebrates in the clean-up crew and nip at corals, especially clam mantles. This trigger would thrive in a semi-aggressive fish only with live rock aquarium. Compatible tank-mates include, but are not limited to, larger wrasses (Thalassoma), tangs, puffers, snappers, groupers, and large angelfish. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 3″; Medium: 3″ to 4″; Large: 4″ to 5″; XLarge: 5″ to 7″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.