Pinktail Triggerfish

The Pinktail Triggerfish is a sleek, elegantly understated species that trades the flashy patterns of many triggerfish for a refined dark beauty. The body is a deep olive-green to dark brown-black that appears almost black under certain lighting conditions, with the scales catching light to reveal subtle iridescent green and blue sheens. The defining feature is the translucent pink to white tail fin that contrasts dramatically against the dark body, along with white-edged dorsal and anal fins that add a clean, graphic quality to its appearance.

This species is considered one of the most well-behaved triggerfish available to marine aquarists. While it retains the intelligence and personality characteristic of the triggerfish family, the Pinktail Triggerfish is notably less aggressive and destructive than many of its relatives. It is far less inclined to rearrange rockwork, attack equipment, or terrorize tankmates, making it a viable option for a wider range of community setups. However, as with all triggerfish, it will readily consume ornamental invertebrates and should be considered reef-safe only with significant caution.

The Pinktail Triggerfish is an active, mid-water swimmer that requires ample open swimming space. In the wild, it inhabits outer reef slopes and drop-offs where it feeds on a varied diet of algae, zooplankton, and small invertebrates. This omnivorous diet translates to easy feeding in captivity, as the species readily accepts virtually any offered food. Its large adult size of up to 16 inches demands a spacious aquarium, and potential keepers should plan for long-term housing needs, as this is a hardy species that can live well over a decade in proper conditions.