11.04.2005

Picasso Triggerfish


I am going to start spotlighting specific specimens that many marine aquarists find popular. First up is my favorite, the triggerfish. This particular type of fish falls into one of two categories. You either love them, or you hate them. For instance, Angelfish come in such a tremendous variety of colors and sizes, almost every marine aquarist has one they like. (For me the Coral Beauty Angelfish is a great addition!)

But Angelfish requirements can lead to beginner failure. Survival is linked to a well established tank with abundant foraging. They are a costly temptation, with individuals starting around $25 and going sky-high from there. For those who have been in this hobby for decades, as opposed to years, my banter may seem trivial. But for those of us that are interested in a salt water tank, on a modest budget, the triggerfish may be the answer. But you either love them or hate them. Let me explain.

Triggerfish are like dogs. That's the best analogy I can come up with, because I have both. These fish are funky looking to some, stunningly beautiful to others. Some get along with others. Many eat everything and anything in the tank. There really are few fish that can stand up to the appetite of a determined trigger. (Mine even took the time to eat my cleaner snails!) So it is most likely this hardy, tough fish could be the only character in your tank!

I seriously doubt there is any specimen of fish, (marine or fresh) that you can keep as a pet, that will exhibit learned behavior better than the trigger! But I am going to make the triggerfish a two chapter post. My next Marine Spotlight will feature the requirements of keeping a triggerfish and some of the funky stuff they do!

7 comments:

markus said...

did you teach him any tricks yet?

Kat in da Hat said...

wait, what does this fish have to do with DVDs?

GetFlix said...

Markus, my trigger swims sideways across the top of the tank when hungry. When I open the lid, he spits water at me, and I hand feed him a pellet!

Not much, K.I.T.H. I am gonna write more reviews soon!

Gabs said...

A trix flix fish!

PixieGaf said...

That is one funky looking fish but I like it.

GetFlix said...

Pixiegaf, they are funny looking but great fun as pets!

LA said...

Good news, the Trigger (by it's long, Hawaiian name) is still state bird in Hawaii. A bill was passed yesterday. I read it here:

http://www.blogger.com/publish-comment.do?blogID=20398589&postID=114537279976754522&r=ok&mod=true