Blue Throat Triggerfish (Xanthichthys Auromarginatus)

The Blue Throat Triggerfish, also known as the Blue Jaw Triggerfish, is a stunning and peaceful member of the triggerfish family. Known for its vibrant blue coloration on the throat and jaw, coupled with a sleek silver body and yellow-edged fins, this fish is a visually striking addition to larger marine aquariums. Unlike many triggerfish, the Blue Throat is generally reef-safe, making it a popular choice for both fish-only and reef tanks. Males are more colorful, while females display subtler hues.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 9 inches.
• Tank Size: 125 gallons minimum; requires a spacious tank with open swimming areas and rockwork for hiding.
• Diet: Carnivorous; thrives on a varied diet of high-quality frozen foods, such as mysis shrimp, krill, squid, and chopped seafood. It will also accept marine pellets and flake foods.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Semi-aggressive; generally peaceful but may become territorial, especially toward smaller fish in confined spaces.
• Skill Level: Intermediate; hardy and adaptable but requires a stable, mature tank environment with consistent feeding.
• Reef Compatibility: With caution; while this species is less likely to nip at corals or invertebrates than other triggerfish, it may occasionally eat small crustaceans like shrimp or crabs.

Special Feature - Reef-Safe Triggerfish
The Blue Throat Triggerfish is one of the few triggerfish species considered relatively reef-safe. While it may pose a risk to small ornamental shrimp or crabs, it typically leaves corals and larger invertebrates untouched, making it a popular choice for reef aquariums.

Compatibility
This triggerfish is best housed with other peaceful to semi-aggressive fish in larger tanks. Avoid mixing with overly aggressive species or multiple triggers unless the tank is very spacious to minimize territorial disputes.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: Males display a striking blue throat and jaw, contrasted by a silver body and yellow-edged fins. Females have a similar silver body but lack the vivid blue throat, offering subtler beauty​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly in deep reefs and lagoons where it swims in open waters near coral structures. In aquariums, it thrives in tanks with plenty of swimming space and hiding areas within rockwork.