The Red Tooth Triggerfish, scientifically known as Odonus niger, is a striking saltwater fish that can be a captivating addition to a marine aquarium.
Appearance:
- They have a laterally compressed body with a vibrant blue, green, or purple coloration that can vary depending on their origin and mood.
- Their most distinctive feature is their bright red teeth, which give them their common name.
- Adults can reach a size of up to 30-46 cm (12-18 inches) in the aquarium.
Tank Requirements:
- A large tank is essential. The minimum recommended size is 680 liters (180 gallons) for a single adult, with even larger being preferable to accommodate their active swimming and potential territoriality.
- Provide plenty of live rock to create caves and crevices for hiding and security. Secure the rockwork well, as they are known to rearrange their environment.
- A sandy substrate is suitable, and they may dig or sift through it.
- Maintain a water temperature between 24-28°C (76-82°F), a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.
- Strong and efficient filtration is necessary to maintain water quality. They can produce a significant amount of waste.
- Moderate water flow is generally appreciated.
Temperament and Tank Mates:
- Red Tooth Triggerfish are generally consideredsemi-aggressive. While some individuals can be peaceful, they can become more territorial as they mature.
- It's generally recommended to keep only one Red Tooth Triggerfish per tank unless it's a very large system.
- Suitable tank mates can include larger, robust fish that won't be intimidated, such as:
- Large Angelfish
- Tangs
- Larger Wrasses
- Puffers
- Groupers
- Lionfish (with caution, ensuring the trigger is not overly aggressive)
- Avoid keeping them with:
- Small fish that could be seen as prey.
- Invertebrates like shrimp, crabs, snails, and corals, as they are likely to be eaten. While some hobbyists have had luck keeping them in reef tanks when well-fed, it's generally not considered reef-safe.
- Other triggerfish, as aggression is common.
Diet:
- Red Tooth Triggerfish are omnivores with a diet that leans towards carnivorous in the aquarium.
- Offer a varied diet consisting of:
- Meaty foods like krill, mysis shrimp, squid, clams, and small pieces of fish.
- Hard-shelled foods (clams on the half-shell, shell-on shrimp) to help wear down their continuously growing teeth.
- High-quality marine pellets and flakes can supplement their diet.
- They may also accept some algae-based foods or nori.
- Feed 2-3 times daily. Be cautious when hand-feeding, as they can bite.
Important Considerations:
- They have a strong bite and can damage aquarium equipment. Ensure heaters and powerheads are protected.
- They can be prone to rearranging tank décor. Secure all rockwork.
- Quarantine new arrivals in a separate tank for several weeks to observe for any signs of disease.
Keeping a Red Tooth Triggerfish can be a rewarding experience due to their personality and striking appearance, but it requires a commitment to providing a large, appropriate environment and understanding their potential for aggression.
