Common name: Goldstripe groper

Scientific name: Aulacocephalus temminckii Bleeker, 1855

General information

The Yellowmargin Triggerfish, scientifically known as Aulacocephalus temminckii, is a robust and striking species popular among experienced aquarists. This species is known for its strong personality and distinctive appearance, featuring a yellow margin on its fins and a tough, rhomboid-shaped body. They are intelligent and can be trained to recognize their owners and even perform simple tricks.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
30 cm (1′)
Care level
Moderate to easy Requires hiding spots
Diet
Carnivore Prefers meaty foods, mysis shrimp
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May nip at corals and clams
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be aggressive to tankmates
Captive bred
No
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Groupers
    Serranidae
  6. Genus
    Thornback Cowfish
    Aulacocephalus
  7. Species
    Goldstripe groper
    Aulacocephalus temminckii Bleeker, 1855
  8. Synonyms
    Aulacocephalus saponaceus (Valenciennes, 1862)
    Aulacocephalus schlegelii Günther, 1859
    Centropristes savonaceus Valenciennes, 1862
    Centropristis saponaceus Valenciennes, 1862

Care

Yellowmargin Triggerfish require a spacious tank with plenty of room to swim and areas to hide. They are known to be aggressive, particularly during breeding season, and should not be housed with small or docile fish. A varied diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, squid, and clams, supplemented with high-quality pellets, will keep them healthy and vibrant.

Reproduction

In the wild, Yellowmargin Triggerfish are solitary nesters. Males prepare and guard a nest on the ocean floor where females lay eggs. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but environmental enrichment and stable conditions may encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

Yellowmargin Triggerfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, and from Japan to Australia. They inhabit lagoons and outer reef slopes, typically at depths of 10 to 75 meters. They prefer areas with sandy bottoms and coral outcrops where they can forage for food and take refuge.