Starry Triggerfish (Abalistes stellatus)
Fish in the family Balistidae. Hard care. Not Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Starry Triggerfish has an olive to tan body covered densely with small white or pale spots that give it a distinctive starred appearance. It possesses the characteristic triggerfish body shape—stocky and compressed laterally—with a large head, strong jaws, and the iconic erectile dorsal spine that locks into position. Adults display an overall robust build with rounded fin edges.
Diet and feeding
Feed high-quality frozen meaty foods such as krill, mysis shrimp, and chopped squid. Offer varied protein sources 1–2 times daily. These fish also benefit from harder-bodied prey items (like snails and small crustaceans) to wear down continuously growing teeth.
Difficulty and care for the Starry Triggerfish
Advanced aquarists only. The Starry Triggerfish is highly aggressive, destructive to tank mates and invertebrates, and demands substantial space. It has specific dietary and water-quality needs and will harass or consume most compatible fish.
Common health issues
Parasitic infections (ich, marine velvet), poor water quality stress, jaw and tooth deformities from inadequate diet, internal parasites
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and the Indo-Australian Archipelago to Oceania and Hawaii. Found in coastal coral reef environments at depths of 5–50 meters.
Log Starry 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 Starry Triggerfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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