Starry Triggerfish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Aggressive   • Maximum Size: 20"
• Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-79° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Diet: Carnivore   • Origin: Indo-West Pacific
• Family: Balistidae   • Species: Triggerfish   • Aquarium Type: Fish Only

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The Starry Triggerfish originates from the coastal reefs of the Indian Ocean. The body of this Trigger is a tan in color with many dark spots that fade into yellow as they progress downward on the fish. The fins of the Starry Trigger are striped in blues, tans and browns. The Starry Triggerfish is a large Trigger an can grow to about 1' 8" in an aquarium environment, and thus requires a large aquarium (125 gallon plus) to be housed properly. There should be an abundance of rock-work with caves and crevices to provide a good habitat for the Starry Trigger. Starry Triggers will rearrange the landscaping and rocks as it sees fit, which is an attribute of most Triggerfish. Starry Triggerfish are very interactive towards humans and make a great pet as well as a great conversation piece.

The body is mostly tan with some darker brown areas near the top part of the body. Dark brown dots start at the top of the body and fade to yellow as they reach the lower areas of the fish. The fins of the Starry Trigger are striped in blues, tans and browns.

One of the great aspects of the Starry Triggerfish is their aquarium behavior. This species is very inquisitive and friendly towards people and because of this makes a great "pet" fish. Like most Triggerfish, they will rearrange the rock-work and substrate to suit their fancy and will explore every nook in the aquarium. For this reason they should be provided with as many caves and crevices as possible to keep them both interested and happy. They are a large species for an aquarium, and this should be kept in mind when selecting a suitable aquarium and suitable aquarium mates. The Starry Triggerfish is a great species for those who would like to interact with their fish especially those who like to hand feed their fish.

Starry Triggerfish need a varied diet of meaty foods including; shrimp, mussel, squid, krill, small fish and shellfish to help them wear down their ever growing teeth. Like all Triggerfish the Starry will happily consume most invertebrates in the aquarium including crabs & shrimps. The Starry Triggerfish is a hearty eater and can even be taught to hand feed.