Blue Throat Triggerfish – Xanthichthys auromarginatus

Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 9/18 - Release Date: 10/8
If you wish to purchase this fish before the release date we will hold the fish for you. Let us know your desired ship date. If there is an issue during the Quarantine process, we will issue a refund.

The Blue Throat Triggerfish, scientifically known as Xanthichthys auromarginatus (Bennett, 1832), is an attractive Indo-Pacific triggerfish also known as the Bluechin Triggerfish, Bluejaw Triggerfish, and Gilded Triggerfish. Unlike many triggerfish that forage heavily on bottom-dwelling prey, this species naturally spends considerable time above the reef feeding on zooplankton.

Blue Throat Triggerfish have a bluish-gray to gray-brown body covered with numerous small pale spots. Mature males are distinguished by a conspicuous blue patch on the chin and lower cheek along with yellow margins on the fins. Females lack the male's blue throat and yellow fin margins.

The species has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution, occurring from Mauritius eastward through northern Australia to the Hawaiian and Society Islands and north to southern Japan. In nature, it occurs along current-swept seaward reef drop-offs and ledges, often forming loose groups above the bottom. Its natural diet consists largely of zooplankton, particularly copepods.

Compared with many other triggerfish, Xanthichthys auromarginatus is generally a better candidate for a reef aquarium. However, it should still be classified as reef compatible with caution, particularly where small ornamental crustaceans are concerned.

This is one of Dr. Mac's Quarantined and Conditioned Fish. Our wild-collected saltwater fish are observed, conditioned, quarantined, and treated before being offered for sale.

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Xanthichthys auromarginatus (Bennett, 1832)
Common Names: Blue Throat Triggerfish, Bluechin Triggerfish, Bluejaw Triggerfish, Gilded Triggerfish
Family: Balistidae
Availability: Wild Collected – Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; relatively peaceful for a triggerfish
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible with caution
Minimum Aquarium Size: 125 gallons recommended for long-term care
Maximum Size: 11.8 inches (30 cm) total length recorded in the wild
Diet: Planktivore/carnivore
Temperature: 75–81°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

Aquarium Requirements: Provide a spacious aquarium with substantial open swimming room along with secure rockwork and sheltered areas. Because this species naturally inhabits current-swept reef areas and swims in open water, good circulation and oxygenation are beneficial. A tightly fitted cover is also advisable for active marine fishes. A 125-gallon aquarium is a commonly recommended minimum for this species.

Temperament: Blue Throat Triggerfish are considerably less aggressive than many other triggerfish but can still be assertive. They are generally best housed with appropriately sized marine fishes rather than very small or timid tankmates.

Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible with caution. Their natural zooplankton-feeding behavior makes them less prone to damaging corals than many triggerfish. Corals are generally left alone, but small ornamental shrimp, crabs, and other crustaceans may still be at risk.

Diet and Feeding: In the wild, Blue Throat Triggerfish feed primarily on zooplankton, particularly copepods. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet of mysis shrimp, krill, chopped shrimp, squid, clam, enriched brine shrimp, and quality marine pellets.