This species is known as
Indian Triggerfish, Black Triggerfish, Black Finned Triggerfish and the correct latin name is
Melichthys indicus. The family that this fish belongs to is called the
Triggers family. (
e) Origin of this fish is
Indian Ocean. (
e)
Character and suggestions regarding care
Melichthys Indicus belongs to peaceful species.
Indian Triggerfish can grow up to 25 cm what is approximately 9 inches. 1 specimen basically needs at least 3000cm
2 of water surface which is approximately 465 square inch. This species will require to be kept in a tank that is medium. (
e) Medium aquariums have at least 113 Litres (30 US Gallons). Large aquariums have at least 265 Litres (70 US Gallons). Very large aquariums hold at least 700 Litres (185 US Gallons).
It is easy to keep the Indian Triggerfish. (
e) The specific gravity (SG) should be between 1,020 and 1,025, the temperature between 23°C (73.4°F) and 26°C (78.8°F). The pH levels shouldn't be outside of 8.0 - 8.3 since most marine fish are used to the mentioned range of pH values.
This is a very interesting fish, because it is very curious and will swim around the tank and explore it. This is why they need a lot of place, hiding places, such as caves, made of stones or corals. But Indian Triggerfish has it’s own head and will move the decoration just like it wants it to be, so you should bear in mind this fact when you’re setting-up the tank. When it comes to tank mates, you should choose fish of similar sizes, so nobody eats this Triggerfish, or vice-versa; this Triggerfish will not eat somebody. In the tank, you can feed this fish almost anything, such as small fishes, fish fillets, sponges, algae, crustaceans, small invertebrates and so.
Thanks to
Kenneth Leonard for the pictures. Copyright Ken Leonard.
Related fish profiles in the database
- Balistapus Undulatus (Undulate Trigger, Orangelined, Orangetailed, Orange-Lined Triggerfish)
- Balistes Vetula (Queen Trigger)
- Balistoides Conspicillum (Clown Trigger)
- Melichthys Vidua (Pinktail Trigger)
- Odonus Niger (Niger Trigger, Redtoothed Triggerfish)
- Pseudobalistes Flavimarginatus (Yellowmargin Triggerfish)
- Pseudobalistes Fuscus (Yellow-spotted Triggerfish, Blue Line Trigger, Rippled Triggerfish)
- Rhinecanthus Aculeatus (Blackbar Triggerfish, HumaHuma Picasso Trigger)
- Rhinecanthus Rectangulus (Wedge-Tail Triggerfish)
- Rhinecanthus Verrucosus (Blackbelly Triggerfish)
- Xanthichthys Auromarginatus (Gilded Triggerfish, Blue Chin Triggerfish, Blue Throat Triggerfish)
- Xanthichthys Caeruleolineatus (Bluelined Triggerfish, Gold Back Triggerfish)
- Xanthichthys Mento (Redtail Triggerfish)
Recommended readingBy Exotic Aquariums
Feel free to share your experiences regarding keeping
Melichthys indicus below. Every message will be held for approval by our moderators. It usually takes 24 hours to publish your comment. Before you ask anything, browse the
questions page, please.
Document modified on Fri Feb 6 1:44:22 UTC 2009
Document created on Fri Feb 6 1:44:22 UTC 2009
edit this page or
create a new fish profile