Caribbean Redtail Trigger (7 days for Delivery)

About this fish

 THIS ITEM IS AVAILABLE BUT DELIVERY IS 7 DAYS FROM ORDER. PLEASE SELECT A DELIVERY DATE TO REFLECT THIS

What is its maximum size?

Typically grows to approximately 25–30 cm in length when fully mature. It has a relatively deep, laterally compressed body and a distinctive reddish tail, which gives the species its common name.

Where is its origin and where is it exported from?

The Caribbean Redtail Triggerfish is native to the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding tropical Atlantic waters.

It can be found around coral reefs, rocky areas and offshore habitats, often swimming in open water above the reef.

Specimens entering the aquarium trade are generally collected and exported from Caribbean and western Atlantic countries, including the United States, particularly Florida, and other regional collection locations.

Is it reef compatible?

Generally considered reef compatible with caution. Unlike many triggerfish species, the Caribbean Redtail Triggerfish is primarily a plankton feeder and is less likely to disturb corals or damage reef structures.

However, small ornamental shrimp, crabs and other tiny invertebrates may be at risk. Individual behaviour can vary, so caution is recommended when keeping them with delicate invertebrates.

What is its maximum size?

Typically grows to approximately 20–25 cm in length when fully mature. It has a distinctive greyish-blue to brownish body with darker markings and a reddish-orange crescent-shaped tail.

Where is its origin and where is it exported from?

The Caribbean Redtail Triggerfish is native to the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and waters extending from South Carolina to the Lesser Antilles.

It is commonly associated with deeper offshore reef slopes, where adults inhabit rocky reef environments. Juveniles are often found sheltering amongst floating Sargassum seaweed.

Is it reef compatible?

Reef compatible with caution. Although generally less destructive towards corals than many other triggerfish, the Caribbean Redtail Triggerfish is a carnivorous species that naturally feeds on small crustaceans, crabs and sea urchins.

It may prey on ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, starfish and other small invertebrates. Therefore, it is not considered completely reef safe.

It is generally better suited to fish-only aquariums or carefully selected reef aquariums without vulnerable ornamental invertebrates. 

What should I feed it?

Caribbean Redtail Triggerfish are carnivorous and require a varied, protein-rich diet.

Suitable foods include:

Frozen mysis shrimp.

Enriched brine shrimp.

Chopped prawns and shrimp.

Chopped squid.

Mussels and cockles.

Chopped marine fish.

Krill and other meaty frozen preparations.

Feed small portions two to three times daily. Including suitable hard-shelled foods can help maintain healthy teeth and provide natural feeding enrichment.

How many can I keep?

Generally best kept singly in home aquariums. They can be territorial, particularly towards other triggerfish.

Keeping multiple specimens may be possible in very large aquariums with carefully selected compatible individuals, but introducing multiple triggers carries a risk of aggression.

How compatible is it with other fish?

Generally semi-aggressive but can be suitable for larger marine community aquariums.

Suitable tankmates may include:

Tangs.

Larger angelfish.

Larger wrasses.

Rabbitfish.

Groupers.

Other robust marine fish.

Avoid keeping them with very small, timid fish or delicate invertebrates. Care should also be taken when mixing them with other triggerfish, as territorial aggression can occur.

Water parameters

Temperature: 24–27°C

pH: 8.1–8.4

Specific gravity (salinity): 1.023–1.025

Ammonia: 0 ppm

Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate: Keep as low as practical through good filtration and regular water changes.

Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Calcium: 380–450 ppm

Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm