Common name: Goldstripe groper
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
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGroupersSerranidae
- GenusThornback CowfishAulacocephalus
- SpeciesGoldstripe groperAulacocephalus temminckii Bleeker, 1855
- SynonymsAulacocephalus saponaceus (Valenciennes, 1862)Aulacocephalus schlegelii Günther, 1859Centropristes savonaceus Valenciennes, 1862Centropristis 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.