Niger trigger (Odonus niger) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Balistidae (triggerfishes)
Origin
Range details not available from our source.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Minimum tank
1000 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
no

Care

Tank: a fish-only tank with solid rockwork and open swimming space; triggers rearrange decor and can bite through equipment cables and tubing. an estimated minimum of about 1000 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits). Water: our sources give no species-specific figures, so the values shown (24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.020–1.025) are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific. Strong filtration is needed for a messy, meaty eater. Behaviour: the list gives a maximum of 50 cm. The list calls it one of the more peaceful triggers, often kept in community tanks. Triggerfish have strong teeth and can bite; take care when working in the tank. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A carnivorous triggerfish; feed meaty foods such as chopped prawn, squid, mussel, krill and mysis, including some shell-on foods to wear down the teeth.

Breeding

Our source gives no breeding information; not bred in home aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Listed as not reef safe: expect it to eat crustaceans, molluscs, urchins and other invertebrates, and possibly nip corals. One of the more peaceful triggers and often kept in community fish-only tanks.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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