Indian Black Triggerfish (Melichthys Indicus)

Sometimes this fish is out of stock, check with us before ordering: reefexclusive@gmail.com

Size: only S,M

Species Name : Melichthys Indicus

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Aggressive

Diet : Carnivore

Color : Black

Reef Compatible : No

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 9½"

Origin : Indian Ocean

Family: Balistidae

Minimum Tank Size : 180 gallons

The Indian Black Triggerfish (Melichthys Indicus), also known as the Black-finned Triggerfish, is found in the Indian Ocean. Their common name, Triggerfish, comes from their ability to lock and unlock their first dorsal fin. This fin is normally retracted and carried in a groove on the upper body. When frightened, the fish will dart into a crevice or branch of coral and raise this trigger-like fin, securely locking itself into its place of protection.

This large Trigger is a beautiful deep grey to black color with a light blue stripe at the base of the dorsal and anal fins and edging the tail. Darker stripes also cross the top of the head and the chin of this fish. They can grow up to 10 in (25 cm) long. The Indian Trigger (Melichthys Indicus) is very similar to the Black Trigger (M. Niger). The key difference is the white margin around the tail of the Indian Trigger that is lacking in the Black Trigger.

An aquarium of 180 gallons or more is needed to provide enough space for swimming. Melichthys Indicus is curious and playful, and you must give them a varied setup with rocks, caves and other types of décor to hide, play and explore in. Fasten heavy objects since Indian triggerfish is found of rearranging.To make the trigger feel at home make sure the rockwork has ample hiding places and is sturdy.

Tankmates should be chosen with care as Indian Triggerfish, whilst not anywhere near as belligerent as other members of the family, can still be moderately aggressive. Keep only one per tank and with confident companions that are of similar size or larger, or tankmates that are slightly smaller but more-aggressive. Do not risk housing Indian Triggers with any small, docile fish as they will become a snack. Aggression can be amplified in smaller tanks. Since they like to pick on smaller sessile invertebrates, they are not considered reef safe. 

Triggerfish are voracious carnivores and will need to be fed a varied diet of meaty foods including freeze-dried or frozen clam, krill, shrimp, and other similar items. Since they have teeth, the Trigger needs to be fed foods with a shell to keep them from overgrowing. Feed small amounts 3 times per day. 

Cautionary note, all triggers have these sharp teeth and may bite when they feel threatened. A good time to work in aquariums that have Triggerfish in them is after feeding.