Blue Jaw or Cross Hatch Triggers

[ROBONE20]

I'd like to add a pair of Blue Jaw Triggers or Cross Hatch Triggers in a 240 gallon FOWLR, but was wondering if these guys will end up being too aggressive and kill my other fish. My current stock list is:

Majestic Angel
Purple Tang
4 Lyretail Anthias
Sunburst Anthias
Mystery Wrasse
Midas Blenny
Percula Clown
2 Semilarvatus Butterflies

I also plan on adding 2 other Large Angels, 2 Dwarf Angels, and another Tang, but if the Triggers will go crazy on them I don't want to bother.

 

[Drjusc00]

Cross Hatch

 

[ROBONE20]

You think they'd mess with my current fish list? Cross Hatch Triggers are beautiful!!

 

[stevejrnc]

i think either would be fine the real question would be your budget
if you shop around you can get a decent pair of blue jaws for 100-150
last male cross hatch i saw for sale was $399

 

[myerst2]

IMO I would get the jawfish. IMO a crosshatch pair would be cramped in your display. It is hard to believe but if you observed a pair in captivity over a decent time period, you would know what I mean. T

 

[LargeAngels]

IME the crosshatch can be a problem/risk for smaller fish, including dwarf angels. The smaller fish also tend to hide more when crosshatch's are in the tank. That is the reason I am selling my pair. I love the fish, but in all my tanks I keep wrasses, dwarfs and clownfish and long term I don't see them as compatible. I had one wrasse that all of the sudden was missing it's tail and then I found it half eaten. Also, one of my female flame wrasses was a little beat up and hiding all the time. I though it was the larger females or the male flame, but as soon as I got rid of the crosshatch it was out all the time and looking better. I also found my potters angels hiding more and a couple of fins had bite marks. They are also not hiding now that they are gone.

 

[ROBONE20]

The price tag on a Blue Jaw pair is definitely more desirable. I would however, spend the money if I knew the Cross Hatch pair wouldn't mess with my current stock list and would thrive in my tank. It seems based on some research I've done and what some people say here, the Cross Hatch would become aggressive towards the fish I have currently and may not thrive in my size tank. But would a Blue Jaw pair do the same? Can they behave with the current fish list I have and would they survive in my size tank? If so, I'll be on the hunt for a Blue Jaw pair.

 

[kirkaz]

I think a Crosshatch pair would be a potential problem with your smaller fish. THe issue is Crosshatch are not available in small sizes, you will never see a male under 6 or 7 inches. A big trigger is likely an aggressive Trigger, my male is the nastiest fish in my tank and I have a rather aggressive list of fish. He takes a bite out of a fin of any fish which he feels displeased with, my Emperor and Passer Angels know this first hand.

The advantage with Bluejaw is they are available at smaller sizes, an adult Male Bluejaw could still pose problems down the road though. All adult Triggers belong with fish capable of defending themselves IMO, IME.

 

[MrTuskfish]

ANY trigger will eat a meal-sized fish if given the opportunity. Xanthichthys genus triggers are considered the "nice triggers", but they are still triggers. I'm sure there have been many success stories; but you can't change the genetics of a fish. here's another fish from the same genus that you may like:http://www.liveaquaria.com/diversden/ItemDisplay.cfm?c=2733+3&ddid=89679

 

[DeepReefExotics]

If you are able to get a small pair of crosshatchs i would go for those just based on how beautiful they are. It took me a while but i was able to get a pair and they are both 4-5in and great with my other fish. Also be prepared to pay a premium for the smaller male.

I got both direct from a hawaiian diver and got a fantastic price and they were extremely healthy.

 

[LargeAngels]

Except the triggers will grow quickly and then they will most likely be a problem.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Except the triggers will grow quickly and then they will most likely be a problem.

Yep, and that brings us back to the original post; listing all the small tankmates which will be lunch sooner or later.

 

[ROBONE20]

I think my question was answered. It appears I will have to admire these fish from afar. Hey Tuskfish - I did look at that Deepwater Trigger and it looks amazing as well. I plan on keeping my collection fish for a long time, so I don't want to have to get rid of them later. Thanks for all the advice/replies. Very tempting though...but I must refrain.