Common name: Yellowmargin triggerfish

Scientific name: Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus (Rüppell, 1829)
Yellowmargin Triggerfish - Pseudobalistes FlavimarginatusYellowmargin triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus)
Yellowmargin triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus).Yellowmargin triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus).

General information

The Yellowmargin Triggerfish, Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus, is a vibrant and intelligent species known for its distinctive yellow margins on the fins and a robust, somewhat rectangular body shape. This species can grow quite large, reaching up to 60 centimeters in length, and is known for its curious and sometimes aggressive behavior. In the wild, they are often found in lagoons and on outer reef slopes.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
750 liter (200 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
45 cm (1′6″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs hiding places and space to swim
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet incl. meaty foods & veggies
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May nip at corals and inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially when mature
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
    Pufferfish
    Tetraodontiformes
  5. Family
    Triggerfish
    Balistidae
  6. Genus
    Triggerfish
    Pseudobalistes
  7. Species
    Yellowmargin triggerfish
    Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus (Rüppell, 1829)
  8. Synonyms
    Balistes flavimarginatus Rüppell, 1829
    Pseudobalistes flavomarginatus (Rüppell, 1829)

Care

Due to their potential size and territorial nature, Yellowmargin Triggerfish require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and robust filtration. They are not suitable for a reef tank as they may prey on invertebrates and smaller fish. These fish are hardy and adaptable to various diets, but they should be fed a variety of meaty foods like shrimp, squid, and fish.

Reproduction

In the wild, Yellowmargin Triggerfish are solitary nesters. The females lay eggs in a sandy substrate, which the males then fertilize and guard aggressively until they hatch. Reproduction in the home aquarium is rare, but providing a sandy bottom and ample space may encourage breeding behavior.

Habitat

Yellowmargin Triggerfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean. They prefer reef environments with clear water and a sandy bottom, where they can forage for food and create nesting sites.