Xanthichthys caeruleolineatus

Randall, Matsuura, & Zama, 1978

Goldback Triggerfish, Pink Triggerfish, Outrigger Triggerfish

Range: Indo-West Pacific

Size: 14 inches (35 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits current swept seaward reefs containing abundant coral growths and mainly found at moderate depths of about 165 - 650 feet (50 - 200 m) in small groups just above bottom areas. Basically a zooplankton feeder in the wild. Seeks caves in the reef structure to hide or rest during evening hours.

General Husbandry: In the home aquarium, which should be no less than 250 gallons, they require a meaty diet, e.g., fortified brine shrimp, mysis, chopped fish, shrimp, squid, and clam flesh, and/or meaty type frozen carnivore foods with two or three feedings per day. Food with hard shells should also be placed in the aquarium, as they will nibble on the shells which will keep their teeth ground down.

Even though many people regard them as reef safe, caution still needs to be taken, as occasional reports note they will eat small fish and ornamental shrimp, urchins, and feather dusters! Yet corals, soft and stony are usually not at risk. As to tankmates, except for the most docile and slow moving species, they make an amenable species.

Keep in mind that generally its recommended not more than one triggerfish be kept per aquarium unless a mated pair, and furthermore, that it be the last fish to be placed into the aquarium.

Taxonomy: Order: Tetraodontiformes

Suborder: Tetraodontoidei

Family: Balistidae

Genus: Xanthichthys

Authority: Randall, Matsuura, & Zama, 1978

FYI: 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.

They should be housed with small pieces of seashells since they like to bite on them or turn them over in the search of prey. Better these shells than other aquarium decor. It also helps keep their teeth worn-down, which actually could get too long and pointed and cause them some difficulty in feeding.

In general, triggerfish are like angelfish and surgeonfishes, as they have laterally compressed bodies with small mouths with strong jaws and chisel-like teeth for crushing hard-shelled prey. However, eyes are set back and located high on their large head to avoid damage when feeding on urchins, one of their favorite foods.

Especially fond of live urchins, which they turn over with jets of water from their mouth, then consume their meaty unprotected bottom areas.

Even though specimen and confines specific, those in the genera Balistes, Balistoides, Pseudobalistes, Rhinecanthus, and Sufflamen are generally thought of as the most aggressive in the Triggerfish family. Those in the Melichthys, Odonus and Xanthichthys genera are more suitable community fish candidates, yet all are not trust worthy when it comes to invertebrates as mentioned above.

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Diet: Carnivore

Acclimation Time: 15 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Fish-only and reef aquariums

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: (See above)

Tankmates: Preferably equal in size

Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 - 27°C).

Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.026

pH: 7.9 - 8.5