Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys vidua)

Description:

Behavior: The Pinktail Triggerfish is a bold and active species known for its striking coloration and robust personality. These fish are generally semi-aggressive and can become territorial, especially as they mature. They thrive in well-structured environments with plenty of live rock, caves, and open swimming areas. Pinktail Triggerfish are known for their curious and engaging behavior, often interacting with their surroundings and tankmates.

Color: The Pinktail Triggerfish is visually stunning, featuring a dark green to black body with a distinctive bright pink tail. The fins are often edged with bright blue, adding to their dramatic appearance. Juveniles and adults exhibit similar color patterns, although the intensity of the colors may increase with age.

Diet: Pinktail Triggerfish are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet. They do well on a mix of high-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Including marine algae or spirulina in their diet helps maintain their health and vibrant coloration. They are known to be hearty eaters, so providing a varied diet helps maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

Tankmates: Pinktail Triggerfish can be semi-aggressive and should be housed with other robust and similarly sized fish. Suitable tankmates include larger tangs, angelfish, wrasses, and other semi-aggressive species. Avoid housing them with very small or timid fish that may be intimidated or outcompeted for food. Due to their territorial nature, it is important to carefully select tankmates that can coexist with them.

Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Pinktail Triggerfish are generally considered reef-safe with caution. While they do not typically harm corals, they may pose a risk to smaller invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs. Their behavior can sometimes disturb the substrate and potentially disrupt delicate organisms, so careful monitoring is recommended.

Max Size: Pinktail Triggerfish can grow up to 15 inches (38 cm) in length. Due to their large size and active nature, they require a spacious aquarium of at least 180 gallons to thrive and maintain good water quality.

Origin: Pinktail Triggerfish are commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Sexual Dimorphism: Pinktail Triggerfish do not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, making it difficult to distinguish males from females based solely on appearance.

Interesting Facts:

• Pinktail Triggerfish are known for their striking color pattern and bold personality, making them a favorite among marine aquarists.

• They are relatively hardy and can adapt well to captivity with proper care and a well-maintained environment.

• Pinktail Triggerfish are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their surroundings, adding dynamic movement to the aquarium.

• Their bold behavior and unique appearance make them a captivating addition to any large marine tank.

Disclaimer: Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to aggression.