Black Triggerfish

Black Triggerfish (Odonus niger)

The Niger Trigger, also known as the Redtooth Trigger, is a visually stunning addition to any home aquarium. Its coloration can vary daily, shifting between shades of purple, blue, and blue green, with striking lighter blue highlights on its fins and long tail lobes. The lighting conditions in the aquarium can also influence the fish’s color. As they mature, Niger Triggerfish develop bright red teeth and typically showcase a dark purple body with blue-green accents around their face, making feeding time particularly captivating. These fish require a spacious 180-gallon aquarium or larger, equipped with rocks and caves for hiding, though they may rearrange the landscape as they please. They communicate with a distinctive “grunting” sound and are an active choice for more aggressive, fish-only tanks. To maintain their health, Niger Triggerfish need a varied diet consisting of meaty foods such as squid, krill, clams, small fish, and hard-shelled shrimp to help keep their continuously growing teeth in check.