Niger Triggerfish - Care, Housing, Diet and Availability for Sale

An Introduction to the Stunning Niger Triggerfish

The brilliantly colored Niger triggerfish (Odonus niger) is a popular species for advanced aquarists looking to add something unique and eye-catching to their saltwater tanks. With its vibrant purple and blue hues, fierce personality, and large size, the Niger trigger stands out in any marine aquarium. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about selecting and caring for healthy Niger triggerfish for sale.

Natural Habitat and Range

The Niger triggerfish is native to the tropical and subtropical waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Their range extends from the Cape Verde islands off the west coast of Africa down to Angola in the south. Niger triggers inhabit rocky reefs and areas with caves and overhangs at depths of 3 to 80 feet. Here they use their strong jaws and teeth to crunch and feed on crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms. Their bright coloration helps them blend into the reef environment.

Description and Biology

With an oval shaped body and laterally compressed profile, the Niger trigger grows to an average length of 12 inches in captivity. Specimens up to 16 inches have been reported. Their most distinguishing feature is their dazzling coloration. Base body color can range from bright purple to deep blue with vibrant yellow fins and tail. The lips and mouth lining are a striking reddish-orange. Niger triggers have a large dorsal fin and sweeping tail fins. Small spiney rays protrude in front of their dorsal and anal fins. Their common name comes from the locking dorsal spine that will snap erect and "trigger" when the fish is threatened.

While peaceful for most of the time, Niger triggers can be very aggressive to tank mates when guarding their territory or food. They are not reef safe and will nip at corals and other sessile invertebrates.

Housing the Niger Triggerfish

Despite their smaller max size compared to other triggers, the Niger triggerfish still requires a large tank. For an adult, the minimum recommended tank size is 125 gallons. Provide plenty of open swimming space along with rocks and caves for shelter.

Niger triggers are very strong swimmers and notorious jumpers. Have a tightly fitting lid or canopy on your aquarium. Subdued lighting will show off their colors best.

Tankmates should be selected carefully and limited to larger aggressive species that can hold their own against the trigger. Good choices include lionfish, groupers, large angels, tangs, puffers, rabbitfish, wrasses, and large damselfish. Avoid passive, docile species.

Water Parameters

Niger triggers thrive in standard marine water conditions:

• Temperature: 72°F - 78°F
• pH: 8.1 to 8.4
• Alkalinity: 3.2 to 4.8 meq/L
• Calcium: 400 to 450 ppm
• Specific Gravity: 1.020 to 1.025

Use a good quality protein skimmer, efficient filtration, and regular partial water changes to maintain pristine water quality. Niger triggers are sensitive to nitrate and ammonia spikes.

Feeding the Niger Triggerfish

Niger triggers are aggressive carnivores that need a varied meaty diet. Offer a mix of frozen and thawed seafood such as:

• Shrimp
• Squid
• Silversides
• Mollusks
• Mussels
• Crab

Supplement with vitamin enriched frozen preparations and live foods like crickets and grass shrimp. Use sinking pelleted foods as an occasional treat in moderation.

Niger triggers are prone to bloat from overfeeding. Feed twice per day only as much as they can consume within a few minutes. Uneaten food should be removed promptly.

Compatibility with Other Fish

Niger triggerfish have a reputation for being peaceful but should still be kept with caution when it comes to tank mates. They are less aggressive than many other triggerfish species but can become territorial as they mature, especially around feeding time.

The following types of fish can work well with a Niger trigger provided the tank is large enough:

• Puffers
• Rabbitfish
• Large angelfish
• Tangs
• Groupers
• Lionfish
• Large wrasses
• Damselfish

Avoid keeping Niger triggers with passive fish like gobies, blennies, chromis, anthias, and small wrasses. Also do not mix them with slow moving species they may see as prey.

Availability of Niger Triggerfish for Sale

The brilliant coloration and unique look of the Niger triggerfish makes them highly desirable to advanced aquarists. They are one of the few marine aquarium fish species aquacultured on a commercial scale. Captive bred specimens tend to be hardier and better acclimated for home aquariums.

Both tank raised and wild caught Niger triggerfish can be purchased from specialty aquarium stores and online retailers. Expect to pay $60-$100 for a healthy juvenile. Availability is moderate but less than other popular triggers like clowns, blues, and undulateds.

When searching for a Niger triggerfish for sale, look for specimens showing full coloration and active swimming with no signs of damage or disease. Smaller juveniles around 3-4 inches adapt better to captivity.

Acclimating Your Niger Triggerfish

Allow new fish several hours to acclimate to your tank's water parameters and temperature. Float the unopened bag in the aquarium for 20-30 minutes to equalize temperatures. Add small amounts of tank water to the bag periodically over the next 1-2 hours.

When ready to release, net the trigger and place it directly into the aquarium. Turn off lights and minimize activity. Closely observe eating and behavior over the next several days. Be prepared to isolate the new trigger if it struggles to adapt or causes too much aggression.

Potential Health Issues

Captive Niger triggerfish are relatively hardy but still prone to some common saltwater fish diseases and issues, including:

• Marine Ich - Caused by Cryptocaryon irritans parasite. Shows as white spots that spread over body and fins. Treat with copper medications.
• Intestinal parasites - Flukes, worms, etc. Can cause emaciation and appetite loss. Treat with medications like metronidazole and praziquantel.
• Bacterial infections - Fin and tail rot, popeye, mouth fungus. Caused by poor water quality. Improve conditions and treat with antibiotics.
• Nutritional deficiencies - Lack of vitamins and proper nutrition. Boost with vitamin supplements.

Prevent disease by maintaining excellent water quality, varied diet, and limiting stress. Quarantine new arrivals. Remove any sick fish promptly for treatment.

An Eye-Catching Addition for Advanced Aquarists

With proper care, the colorful Niger triggerfish can make a long-lived, engaging marine aquarium resident. Their size and specific needs limit them to experienced fishkeepers with large tank setups. But for those looking for a striking centerpiece fish, the Niger triggerfish will not disappoint.

When purchasing a healthy Niger triggerfish for sale and providing ideal housing, diet, tankmates, and water conditions, this exotic reef dweller will display its full vibrant beauty and animated behaviors for years to come.

FAQs

How big do Niger triggerfish get?

In home aquariums, Niger triggers typically reach about 12 inches in length. Some specimens can grow as large as 16 inches.

What size tank do I need for a Niger triggerfish?

Due to their size and active swimming nature, Niger triggers need at minimum a 125 gallon aquarium. Bigger is always better when it comes to marine tanks.

Are Niger triggerfish reef safe?

No, Niger triggerfish will nip at and consume coral polyps and other reef invertebrates. They should not be kept in reef tanks.

What do Niger triggerfish eat?

Niger triggers are primarily carnivores that need a diet of meaty frozen and live foods like shrimp, squid, crab, mollusks, and fish.

Can Niger triggerfish be kept with other fish?

Yes, Niger triggers can be combined with tankmates like puffers, rabbitfish, large angelfish and tangs. Avoid small, passive species that may be seen as prey.