Purple Trigger

[torbett]

Okay, I just bought a beautiful purple triggerfish at the LFS last night. I would like to know if Formula One food is enough for him, or do I need to buy something different? Also, any things to look for while he is settling in?

 

[drunktank]

never heard of a purple trigger, but if its a trigger fish it requires meaty foods like krill, squid, clam, silversides etc

 

[torbett]

purple trigger = Niger Trigger, and thanks for the info.

 

[AquaReeferMan]

Is this in a Reef tank???

 

[torbett]

it's going to be

 

[AquaReeferMan]

These fish are generally not considered reef safe. They will destroy any clean-up crew you have. They love to prey upon snails, hermits, stars, shrimp, and clams. Although known as one of the least aggressive Triggers they still can become aggressive. Make sure any other fish you place into you tank is larger than the Niger or it could become a snack. They also may nip at coral if not feed enough. Now onto the fact that they need to eat a lot. This large amount of food, and waste, intime, is going to case a very nice nitrate problem. They can reach sizes from 12 to 16 inches and is going to need a large tank. I would really rethink what you are going to do with this Niger.

 

[torbett]

Thanks for the advice. Just to get more input, I know I'm about 10 gal less than the recomended 50 gallon tank size, but I'm not planning on putting a lot of fish in the tank. Right now, I've got the Niger (about 2"), a snowflake eel, and a damsel. I'm thinking maybe a foxface (still considering due to tank size), a blenny, and a few cromies. With this in mind, I am going to upgrade the tank when things start getting a little bigger. I'm saving the money for a 120 right now.

As far as coral, I'll keep an eye on them, and if they are getting picked on, I'll have to figure something out. Again, thanks for the advice.

 

[drunktank]

as long as u dont overcrowd the tank, the niger will be fine for up 2 a year... they dont grow to fast. I doubt the niger will go after corals, but he will eliminate any invert in under a month, and i speaking from exp

 

[secrest]

Well ive had my niger for a few years now, and he's never attacked any invert. I have snails, crabs, shrimp, stars, and clams. Also never eaten a coral. I have seen him be a little aggressive to other fish at times, but nothing serious.

I also know a few others who have had this same success with them. Obviously not all fish are the same. But I wouldnt completely rule it out.

 

[brad23]

Actually a lot of peiople keep these fish with no problem in a reef, I think the blue throats are about as reef safe as it gets although shrimps probably will not last

 

[Wolverine]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7732981#post7732981 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AquaReeferMan
These fish are generally not considered reef safe. They will destroy any clean-up crew you have.

I disagree. I would put them more at 50/50 in a reef tank. Any individual is entirely unpredictable. I know several people who have had them for years in reef tanks without losing any clewn-up crew, fish, or corals.

I agree about the tank-size. This tank is way too small for long term.

Dave

 

[saj01c]

I have had my pair of crosshatch in my reef for a few years with no problems. I have clams, snails, crabs and shrimp. I actually see them stop by and let my shrimp do some cleaning on them.
Each fish is different.

 

[I like Triggers]

i agree with wolverine about tank size. a 55 is small. you said you are saving for a 120? thats not big enough for a niger i wouldnt say either. they get big and need a lot of space to swim. standard 120 is 4'x2'x2' and i would recommend a longer tank than 4'.