Gilded Triggerfish

Environment

Minimum volume 500 liters for an adult, ideally 700 liters or more. Reef or fish-only tank with rocks for hiding and territory. Stable water: 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, density 1.023-1.025, calcium 400-450 mg/L. Efficient filtration and moderate flow. Lid mandatory: triggerfish can jump. Decor with rocky crevices and overhangs where it takes refuge at night.

Feeding

Carnivore. Feed twice daily: mussel flesh, shrimp, squid, krill, varied frozen food. Supplement with spirulina or algae for balance. Readily accepts pellets for carnivorous marine fish. Its teeth grow continuously: regularly offer shellfish with shell or whole crabs for natural tooth wear. Avoid overfeeding.

Health & common diseases

Robust species, not very susceptible to diseases if water quality is maintained. Vulnerable to common marine parasites: marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans, Amyloodinium), recognizable by white spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, scratching. Prevention: 3-4 week quarantine for all newcomers, stable water and varied diet. Monitor injuries from territorial fights (risk of secondary bacterial infections). Sensitive to stress during capture: gentle handling necessary.

Tips & tankmates

This is the most reef-suitable triggerfish, but caution: may nibble soft coral polyps, zoanthids, and hunt cleaner shrimp. Compatible with medium to large fish, avoid overly shy or slow species. Keep only one individual unless large volume (>1000 L) and simultaneous introduction. Territorial towards conspecifics and other triggerfish. Excellent jumper: well-covered aquarium essential. Very intelligent, curious, can recognize its keeper. No CITES restriction, common species in marine aquarium hobby.

Sources

• FishBase - Xanthichthys auromarginatus
• Reef Central - Triggerfish species
• Baensch Marine Atlas