Orange-Lined Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus)
Fish in the family Balistidae. Hard care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Orange-Lined Triggerfish has a robust, compressed body with a distinctive pattern of orange-red curved lines and stripes running across its head and body on a background of olive-green to brown coloring. It possesses a large, powerful mouth and characteristic trigger-like dorsal fin spines. The eyes are small and positioned high on the head, and the pectoral fins are rounded.
Diet and feeding
Offer a varied carnivorous diet including meaty foods such as frozen-thawed krill, mysis shrimp, squid, and chopped clams. Triggerfish are opportunistic feeders that will also consume small crustaceans and mollusks; feed whole snails in shell to help wear down their continuously growing teeth.
Difficulty and care for the Orange-Lined Triggerfish
The Orange-Lined Triggerfish demands a large aquarium, strong filtration, and careful feeding management. Its aggressive temperament, destructive behavior toward tankmates and décor, and tendency to bite and harass other fish make it suitable only for experienced aquarists maintaining a species or predator-focused system.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Bacterial septicemia, Velvet disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East Africa through Indonesia to the Great Barrier Reef and Fiji.
Log Orange-Lined 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 Orange-Lined Triggerfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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