Bluelined Triggerfish

The Bluelined Triggerfish is a large and strikingly patterned species that features a golden-yellow to olive body overlaid with bold blue wavy lines and spots. Juveniles are particularly vivid, displaying bright yellow coloration with intense electric blue markings, while adults tend to darken somewhat but retain the distinctive blue patterning. This species reaches an impressive 22 inches in the wild, making it one of the larger triggerfish available in the aquarium trade.

This is a highly aggressive triggerfish that is not suitable for community aquariums or reef tanks. In the wild, it feeds on a variety of benthic invertebrates including sea urchins, crustaceans, mollusks, and corals, crushing hard-shelled prey with its powerful beak-like teeth. It is fiercely territorial and will attack tankmates of all sizes, including fish much larger than itself. Only the most experienced aquarists should attempt to keep this species, and it typically does best as the sole inhabitant or with only a few equally aggressive tankmates.

Due to its enormous adult size and aggressive disposition, the Bluelined Triggerfish requires a very large aquarium of at least 300 gallons. Robust rockwork should be secured firmly, as this species is known to rearrange its environment. Despite its challenges, the Bluelined Triggerfish is incredibly hardy, disease-resistant, and develops a remarkably interactive personality with its keeper.