{"product_id":"blue-throat-triggerfish-female-xanthichthys-auromarginatus","title":"Blue Throat Triggerfish Female | Xanthichthys auromarginatus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eOne of the few triggers you can trust in a reef, the female Blue Throat Triggerfish is a graceful, open-water plankton feeder. Far more peaceful than most triggers, but still a fish with personality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMost triggerfish live around reef slopes, rubble zones and coral edges where they cruise actively, investigate rockwork and feed on hard-shelled invertebrates or meaty foods. Natural origin for this listing is Indo-Pacific reef slopes, lagoons, rubble zones and coral reef edges depending on species. In captivity, the aquarium should recreate the security of reef structure with caves, ledges, open turning space and excellent filtration. These fish produce more waste than small community species, so oxygenation, protein skimming and stable water quality are critical.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlue Throat Triggerfish Female should show clear eyes, full body condition, intact fins and a strong feeding response. Triggerfish have a deep, muscular body, tough skin, strong teeth and the distinctive dorsal trigger spine that gives the group its name. Adult size is generally 22–25 cm, so the fish should never be purchased only for its current size. Colour, pattern and behaviour are usually best displayed once the fish has a secure territory and is feeding confidently.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperament is best described as Semi-aggressive but often more manageable than Rhinecanthus triggers. Compatibility must be planned carefully. Suitable tank mates are generally robust marine fish that are too large to be swallowed and confident enough to feed, such as larger tangs, rabbitfish, large wrasse, robust angelfish, suitable triggers, groupers or other predators depending on the species. Avoid tiny fish, small ornamental shrimp, delicate timid species and anything that can fit into the mouth. For triggerfish and larger predators, also consider biting behaviour, rock movement and aggression at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed as a Omnivore to carnivore; chopped prawn, squid, mussel, clam, krill, mysis shrimp, quality pellets and occasional algae-based foods. Use marine-based foods rather than freshwater feeder fish, as freshwater feeders are poor long-term nutrition and can contribute to health problems. Offer appropriately sized portions several times weekly or daily depending on the species, age and body condition. Predatory fish should be trained to accept frozen or prepared foods where possible. Feeding tongs are useful for eels, lionfish and scorpionfish, but hands should be kept away from mouths and venomous spines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMinimum aquarium size is 450 L, with 650 L or larger recommended for long-term care. Maintain temperature at 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity 1.024–1.026. Provide strong biological filtration, quality protein skimming and regular water changes of 10–20% as required to control nitrate and phosphate. Flow should provide good oxygenation without preventing the fish from resting. Lighting can match the system and is usually not critical for the fish itself. Aquascaping must be stable, with secure rockwork that cannot collapse if a triggerfish, eel or large predator pushes through it. Eels require a tight lid with no gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreeding is not expected in normal aquariums. Wild triggerfish may guard nests aggressively, and larval rearing is not practical for most hobbyists. In home aquariums, breeding should not be expected. Many of these species have complex courtship, pelagic eggs or larvae, large adult size or specialist rearing needs. The practical focus should be correct feeding, stable water quality, secure housing and careful tank mate selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eXanthichthys auromarginatus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlue Throat Triggerfish Female\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-Pacific reef slopes, lagoons, rubble zones and coral reef edges depending on species\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22–25 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8–15 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive but often more manageable than Rhinecanthus triggers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate to advanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e450 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e650 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore to carnivore; chopped prawn, squid, mussel, clam, krill, mysis shrimp, quality pellets and occasional algae-based foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.024–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarge marine aquariums, predator systems and specialist fish-only displays\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne of the more reef-compatible triggers, but still use caution with shrimp and small invertebrates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates may include larger tangs, rabbitfish, robust wrasse, large angelfish with caution, larger clownfish, suitable triggers, groupers, larger hawkfish and other predator-safe marine fish. Match tank mates by adult size, temperament, feeding speed and risk of being swallowed or bitten.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid small gobies, small cardinalfish, tiny wrasse, ornamental shrimp, crabs you want to keep safe, delicate timid fish, slow feeding fish, very aggressive tank mates in undersized aquariums, and any fish small enough to fit into the predator's mouth. Avoid open-top tanks for eels and avoid casual handling of lionfish or scorpionfish due to venomous spines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55351896670499,"sku":null,"price":130.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55227178352931,"sku":"AA2571","price":150.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55351896703267,"sku":null,"price":175.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"X-Large (15-22cm)","offer_id":55351896736035,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Blue_Throat_Triggerfish_Female_Xanthichthys_auromarginatus_a60d9127-428d-4bb2-836e-6696262a1865.jpg?v=1781681546","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/blue-throat-triggerfish-female-xanthichthys-auromarginatus","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}