Fuscus Triger ( Blue and Gold ) 15cm-18cm

Scientific name: Pseudobalistes fuscus
Common names: Fuscus Trigger, Blue-lined Triggerfish
Family: Balistidae

Description

The Fuscus Triggerfish is a bold, powerful marine fish known for its deep brown to black body covered in electric blue lines across the face and fins. As juveniles they are strikingly colourful, becoming darker and more dramatic with age. This species is highly intelligent, very active, and develops a strong presence in the aquarium, often interacting with its keeper.

Care Requirements

Tank Size

• Minimum tank size: 500–700 litres (130–180 gallons)

• Larger systems strongly recommended due to size, activity level, and aggression

Temperament

• Aggressive

• Highly territorial, especially as it matures

• Best kept alone or with other large, robust aggressive species

Reef Compatibility

• ❌ Not reef safe

• Will destroy:

  • Corals

  • Crustaceans

  • Snails

  • Urchins

  • Other invertebrates

Tank Setup

• Large amounts of securely stacked live rock

• Caves and overhangs for sleeping (triggers “lock” themselves in)

• Heavy-duty aquascaping (they will move rocks)

• Strong circulation and oversized filtration

• Tight-fitting lid (strong swimmers and jumpers)

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.026

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

• Nitrate: <30 ppm

Diet & Feeding

• Carnivorous

• Feed a varied, meaty diet:

  • Whole prawns

  • Mussels and clams (shell-on)

  • Squid

  • Fish flesh

  • High-quality marine pellets

⚠️ Important:
Hard-shelled foods are essential to prevent overgrown teeth.

Feeding Frequency

• Once daily (juveniles may be fed twice daily)

Adult Size

• Up to ±55 cm

Compatibility Notes

• Avoid housing with:

  • Small or passive fish

  • All invertebrates

• Possible tank mates (very large systems only):

  • Large groupers

  • Other large triggers

  • Large angelfish

  • Moray eels

⚠️ Introduce tank mates carefully and monitor closely.

Special Notes

• Can become extremely aggressive with age

• Very intelligent and food-motivated

• Powerful jaws – can crack shells and damage equipment

• Not suitable for community or reef aquariums

• Recommended for experienced marine keepers only