Niger Triggerfish

Also known as Redtooth Trigger, Niger Trigger

The Niger Triggerfish is one of the most peaceful and aquarium-suitable triggerfish species, featuring a beautiful purple-blue body with striking blue and yellow accents on the face and fins. This hardy, personable fish is known for its intelligence and interactive behavior, often recognizing its owner and becoming a true tank personality. Unlike many triggerfish, it is generally reef-safe with caution and rarely aggressive toward tankmates.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Odonus niger
• Common Names: Niger Trigger, Redtooth Trigger
• Adult Size: Up to 12 inches (often smaller in aquariums, 8-10 inches)
• Lifespan: 10+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful for a triggerfish; can be kept with most fish
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe with caution; may nip at some invertebrates but generally leaves corals alone
• Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons 
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate; hardy and adaptable

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Provide open swimming space with rockwork that includes caves and overhangs for shelter. Appreciates moderate to strong water flow. Secure all equipment and decorations as triggerfish can be curious and may rearrange items.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Adaptable to typical marine conditions

Equipment Recommendations:

• Robust filtration system
• Protein skimmer
• Strong water circulation
• Secure tight-fitting lid (can jump)

These maintain optimal conditions for this active species.

Diet & Feeding

Niger Triggerfish are carnivores with powerful jaws designed to crush hard-shelled prey.

Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets, carnivore pellets
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, krill, squid, clams, scallops, chopped seafood
• Hard-shelled Foods: Snails, small crabs, shrimp with shells (helps wear down constantly growing teeth)
• Variety: Alternate foods to provide balanced nutrition

Feeding Frequency: Once or twice daily

Special Note: Needs hard-shelled foods regularly to help maintain healthy teeth. Very enthusiastic eater and will eagerly accept most foods.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Compatible with most medium to large fish; peaceful for a triggerfish
• Multiple Triggers: Can sometimes be kept with other peaceful triggerfish in very large systems
• Reef Caution: May nip at crustaceans, snails, and occasionally polyps, but generally ignores corals
• Aggression Level: Minimal; one of the least aggressive triggerfish species

Notes & Considerations

• One of the best triggerfish species for community tanks.
• Very intelligent and interactive; often recognizes the owner and begs for food.
• Teeth grow continuously; it requires hard-shelled foods to keep them worn down.
• May rearrange rockwork and decorations according to its preferences.
• Generally leaves corals alone but may sample invertebrates.
• Produces clicking sounds when excited or stressed.
• Can become territorial if kept in undersized tanks.
• Excellent jumper; secure lid is essential.
• More active during the day; may rest in caves at night.
• Beautiful coloration intensifies with age and proper care.
• Hardy and disease-resistant once established.
• May become quite tame and hand-feed with patience.

Why Choose a Quarantined Niger Triggerfish?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, stress-free fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and conditioned to accept a variety of prepared foods before sale, giving you a stronger chance of long-term success with this intelligent and charismatic species.