Common name: Ol'wife
General information
The Queen Triggerfish, Balistes vetula, is a vibrant and intelligent species known for its striking coloration and unique personality. It is a member of the Balistidae family, which is characterized by their rhomboid body shape, strong jaws, and ability to lock their dorsal spine as a defense mechanism.
This species is often recognized by its deep blue to purple body, accented with bright yellow and green lines and spots. The Queen Triggerfish can grow quite large, reaching up to 60 cm (24 inches) in length, making it one of the larger species in the triggerfish family.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 55 cm (1′10″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs varied diet & hiding spots.
- Diet
- Omnivore Prefers meaty foods & some veggies.
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals/inverts.
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially in small tanks.
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPufferfishTetraodontiformes
- FamilyTriggerfishBalistidae
- GenusTriggerfishBalistes
- SpeciesOl'wifeBalistes vetula Linnaeus, 1758
- SynonymsBalistes bellus Walbaum, 1792Balistes equestris Gronow, 1854Balistes vetula trinitatis Nichols & Murphy, 1914
Care
Queen Triggerfish require a spacious aquarium with plenty of room to swim and areas to hide. They are known to be somewhat aggressive, particularly towards smaller fish and invertebrates, so careful consideration should be given to tank mates. A varied diet of meaty foods, including shrimp, squid, and fish, is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Queen Triggerfish are solitary nesters. Males court females and, after spawning, the females guard the nest aggressively. In the aquarium setting, breeding is rare, but environmental enrichment and a well-maintained tank can encourage natural behaviors.
Habitat
Native to the Atlantic Ocean, the Queen Triggerfish is commonly found in coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy areas. They are adept at hunting and often use their strong jaws to flip over sea urchins and other prey. Their natural range extends from Canada to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.