Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
General Description: The Niger Trigger, also referred to as the Redtooth Trigger, has a wide distribution across the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea and Australia. Coloration of the Niger trigger varies considerably to location and on an individual basis. Aquarium lighting can also play a role in how your Niger trigger appears. Generally speaking, the Niger trigger’s body color can be purple, indigo or blue to blue-green, with lighter hues of blue along the fins and tail lobes. As an adult, the caudal (tail) fin lobes become longer and the teeth of the Niger trigger will take on a red appearance. The Niger trigger has been observed to exhibit more peaceful behavior compared to some other triggerfish species. Because of this, the Niger trigger has been successfully kept in less aggressive, but active, aquariums. An adult Niger trigger can reach a size of approximately 12″.
Diet Requirements: Niger 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 125 gallon aquarium is ideal. Smaller specimens can be temporarily raised in smaller quarters (no less than 75 gallons) as long as it is upgraded accordingly. Like all triggers, the Niger trigger appreciates abundant live rock in the aquarium, especially caves and crevices to take refuge in if felt threatened. Compatability with more aggressive trigger species is variable, but Niger triggers can be kept successfully together in groups of three or more individuals. Niger triggers, while listed here as not reef safe, have been added “with caution” into reef aquariums. They typically do not nip at corals or disturb invertebrates prior to their introduction. Shrimp that are added after the trigger is established may be consumed, however. This trigger would thrive best in both active peaceful or semi-aggressive fish only with live rock aquariums. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 2″ to 2-3/4″; Medium: 3″ to 3-3/4″; Large: 4″ to 4-3/4″; XLarge: 5″ to 7″; XXLarge: 7″ +
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
