Halfmoon Triggerfish (Sufflamen chrysopterum)

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

Quick facts

Scientific nameSufflamen chrysopterum

FamilyBalistidae

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size9 in

Minimum tank size125 gallons

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

Feeding scheduleFeed 2-3 times daily

Appearance

The Halfmoon Triggerfish has a distinctive yellowish or greenish-yellow body with a crescent-shaped (halfmoon) yellow or orange marking on the caudal fin. The dorsal and anal fins are edged in yellow or orange, and the face exhibits a characteristic blue-green coloration around the eyes and cheeks.

Diet and feeding

Zooplankton, small crustaceans (such as copepods and mysid shrimp), fish fry, and squid in the wild. In aquariums, they can be fed brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and a variety of frozen or prepared marine fish foods.

Difficulty and care for the Halfmoon Triggerfish

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

Common health issues

Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Fungus infections, Bacterial septicaemia

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa to Hawaii and the Great Barrier Reef.

Log Halfmoon 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 Halfmoon Triggerfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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