Pinktail Triggerfish

(Melichthys vidua)

Melichthys Triggerfish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work with caves and crevices should be provided for hiding. Triggerfish are known to turnover rocks, rubble, benthic invertebrates and corals provide a sand bed with rubble and seashells to turnover while hunting for prey. Triggerfish are carnivores feeding on small fish, starfish, crabs, shrimp, snails and urchins. They are capable of breaking off the spines of urchins and blowing water to turnover urchins attacking the underside. They are hardy, beautiful and not quite as aggressive as other Triggerfish. A diet of meaty based foods should be provided. May loose coloration if not adequately fed. Melichthys Triggerfish can be kept with larger fish that are not easily harrassed..

Pinktail Triggerfish are also sometimes known as the Whitetailed Triggerfish. Not frequently seen in the aquarium trade. Pinktail Triggerfish are quite lovely fish and are generally an olive brown color with black trimmed white dorsal and anal fins, yellow pectoral fins and a light pink tail. Pinktail Triggerfish can grow to slightly over 16".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 125 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatPlantedPlanted
  • Light: LightHighHigh