Bluelined Triggerfish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Aggressive   • Maximum Size: 24"
• Minimum Tank Size: 220 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-79° F; dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
• Diet: Carnivore   • Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Family: Balistidae   • Species: Triggerfish   • Aquarium Type: Fish Only

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Bluelined Triggerfish are a hardy and aggressive predatory species that are best suited for large aquariums (220 gallons or larger) with other large aggressive fish species. Bluelined Triggers are a very hardy fish species that if kept in large aquarium with excellent mechanical and biological filtration due very well in the aquarium environment. This species is also known for rearranging aquariums by blowing sand and substrate looking for invertebrates to eat and for undermining the foundations of rocks and coral.

The Blueline Trigger is highly sought after for its unique coloration and impressive adult size along with its ease of care when kept in a proper aquarium environment. Despite the popularity of this fish among aggressive marine species hobbyist, the Blueline Triggerfish is somewhat of a rare find at most marine fish stores.

Bluelined Triggerfish begin life with very bright juvenile colors, which tend to fade a bit as they become adults. Juvenile specimens have a bright yellow or yellowish-tan body with bright blue lines all over its body, along with yellow markings on blue fins. As they grow the contrast between the yellow body and blue lines begins to lesson, and as mature adults they will have a tan body with less distinct blue markings throughout their body. They have the typical Triggerfish anal and dorsal fins, along with a crescent shaped tail fin. Like all Triggerfish, Bluelined Triggers have a spine located on the top of their head that can be locked in an erect position to help lock them in place when hiding in amongst rocks or corals.

Blueline Triggerfish are a large fairly aggressive species that are best suited for very large aquariums with other large aggressive fish species. They are a very hardy species that can tolerate less than perfect water conditions, but do require adequate swimming room, and thus should be kept in a large aquarium of at least 220 gallons or more. Blueline Triggerfish are also known for their propensity for rearranging the aquarium aquascape to suit their preferences, including removing sand from underneath rocks and creating tunnels and caves where they were not before.

It is also important to provide strong mechanical and biological filtration as this species eats large amounts of meaty foods that can quickly foul the aquarium water if strong filtration is not in place. This species should only be kept with other large aggressive or semi-aggressive fish species that can tolerate the boisterous nature of the Blueline Triggerfish. It is important to note that this species should never be kept with corals, invertebrates or smaller shy fish species as the Blueline Trigger can cause harm or even death to smaller less aggressive species.

Bluelined Triggerfish should be fed a varied diet consisting of many different types of meaty foods including: chopped shrimp, squid, clams or fish. It is also good to provide frozen foods that contain marine algae and are enhanced with vitamins and minerals. This species should be fed at least 3 times a day to provide it with adequate nutrition and to decrease its aggressiveness towards its tank mates.