Common name: Indian triggerfish

General information

The Indian Triggerfish, Melichthys indicus, is a vibrant and active species known for its unique trigger mechanism. This mechanism involves a set of dorsal spines that the fish can lock into place to wedge itself into rock crevices, making it difficult for predators to extract them. The most distinctive feature of this species is its deep blue to purple body coloration with bright red teeth, which is where the name 'Red-toothed Triggerfish' comes from.

Care

Indian Triggerfish require a spacious aquarium with plenty of swimming room and rockwork to explore and hide. They are known to be somewhat aggressive, particularly towards smaller tank mates or those with similar body shapes. It's important to provide a varied diet including meaty foods like shrimp, squid, and fish, as well as some vegetable matter.

Reproduction

In the wild, Melichthys indicus exhibits a form of broadcast spawning, where eggs and sperm are released into the water column. In the home aquarium, breeding is rare, but environmental stability and a well-matched pair can increase the chances of successful spawning.

Habitat

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, the Indian Triggerfish can be found in a range of marine environments from clear lagoons to outer reef slopes. They are often observed at depths ranging from the surface down to about 75 meters.

Geographical distribution includes areas from East Africa, across the Indian Ocean, to the western Pacific Ocean, including the Red Sea, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef.