Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys Vidua)

Size: S, M

Species Name : Melichthys Vidua

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Aggressive

Color : Green, Red, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : With Caution

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

Max. Size : 1' 3"

Origin : Indo-Pacific

Family : Balistidae

Minimum Tank Size : 180 gallons

The Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys Vidua) is a species of triggerfish from reefs in the Indo-Pacific. This Triggerfish is named for its very pretty "pink tail." 

The Pink Triggerfish is a medium-sized fish with a small mouth and high-set eyes. The Pinktail Triggerfish has a handsome emerald-green body and a bright pink tail. The dorsal and anal fins have a translucent pinkish-white appearance marked with dark bands at the outside edges, and the pectoral fins have a yellowish color to them. The Pinktail Trigger features strong teeth and jaws, and may chew through items in their aquariums. This species can grow to be up to 13 inches long.

A 180 gallon or larger aquarium with rocks and caves provides a good environment. With caution, it can be housed in a reef aquarium, but will eat any crustacean and small fish.

It is rarely aggressive toward its tank mates unless they are much smaller or introduced to the tank after the Pinktail. If more than one is to be kept in the same tank, it is best to add a male and up to several females at the same time.Multiple females can be housed together without issue.

The Pinktail Triggerfish needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth. If possible, feed your Triggerfish twice or three times a day. Be sure to provide a varied diet so your fish can obtain a full range of nutrients.

Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Small/Medium: 2-1/2" to 3"; Medium 3" to 4"; Medium/Large: 4" to 5"; Large 5" to 7"; XLarge: 7" or Larger