Finescale Triggerfish (Balistes polylepis)
Fish in the family Balistidae. Hard care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Finescale Triggerfish displays a robust, compressed body with fine, intricate scaling that gives the species its common name. Coloration is typically greenish-gray to brownish with a pattern of small spots or reticulations. Like all triggerfishes, it possesses the characteristic anterior dorsal spine that locks into place, and a stout, blunt-nosed head.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied carnivorous diet including high-quality meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, krill, squid, and small crustaceans. Also accepts some prepared marine foods formulated for carnivorous fish.
Difficulty and care for the Finescale Triggerfish
The Finescale Triggerfish is challenging due to its aggressive territorial behavior, specialized cooler-water requirements (68–76°F), and tendency to damage tank décor and injure tankmates. It is best suited to experienced aquarists with large, species-specific setups.
Common health issues
Ich, dental overgrowth, injury from aggressive behavior, parasitic infections
Origin and habitat
Eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of California south to Peru, including the Galápagos Islands. A endemic Pacific triggerfish found in cooler waters than most tropical reef species.
Log Finescale Triggerfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Finescale Triggerfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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