General information – The black trigger fish called by the Hawaiian

people the Humuhumu'ele'ele fish. In its natural habitat the black

triggerfish occurs in open waters, shallows and in reef environments up

to depth of 30 meters. When in the water, it appears to be completely

black but if it is taken out it is actually has dark-blue/green coloration.

On its face and around the eyes there are thin, blue-turquoise colored

lines.

Common Name - black triggerfish, Hawaiian Black Trigger Fish,

black Durgeon

Scientific Name - Melichthys niger

Family – Balistidae, order- Tetraodontiformes

Origin – Western and Eastern Indian Ocean, Western Central and Eastern Central Pacific, Western

Central and Eastern Central Atlantic

Size – Up to 14 inches but usually smaller

First discovered - Bloch, 1786

Nutrition – Omnivore, in the wild, the black triggerfish feeds mainly on phytoplankton and algae. In captivity

it will benefit from high quality commercial food, frozen food or live food should be provided. Marine algae

and vitamin-enriched herbivore foods should be a part of its regular diet. It is highly recommended to feed

this fish in small amounts several times a day.

Behavior - Aggressive

Maintenance and care - Due to its enormous size the black triggerfish requires large aquarium (150

gallons plus as an adult) with plenty of room to swim. It should be kept only with fish with similar needs.

Fish that are much smaller should not be kept with the black triggerfish. Although is huge and aggressive

species it is a shy fish so rock formation must be provided allowing him to hide if feels threatened. It is also

essential to provide an excellent filtration system and appropriate water movement.

Water Parameters - Temperature: 72F-78F, pH: 8.1-8.4, Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025, dKH 8-12

Breeding – Not yet bred in captivity