Golden Heart Triggerfish (Balistes punctatus)

Fish in the family Balistidae. Expert care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameBalistes punctatus

FamilyBalistidae

Care levelExpert

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentAggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size9 in

Minimum tank size120 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule1-2 times daily

Appearance

The Golden Heart Triggerfish has a yellowish body with a distinctive golden-yellow heart-shaped marking on the chest. It displays small dark spots covering the head and body, with a characteristic blunt snout and a dorsal spine that can be locked in place.

Diet and feeding

Feed a varied carnivorous diet including high-quality frozen foods (krill, mysis shrimp, squid), pellets, and occasional live prey. Triggerfish are aggressive feeders and will also consume hard-shelled invertebrates and small crustaceans, which helps naturally grind their continuously growing teeth.

Difficulty and care for the Golden Heart Triggerfish

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and the Red Sea through the Indian Ocean to Indonesia and the Philippines.

Log Golden Heart 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 Golden Heart Triggerfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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