Crosshatch Triggerfish Q

[espkh9]

Just a simple one here anyone know why these fish are very expensive ?
I have a 125 Reef and have a 4 inch Blue Throat Triggerfish (widely considered reef safe) I read a crosshatch might also be reef safe but I find these fish a bit simillar. The crosshatch is way more expensive and more colorful. Does any1 have experiecne witha crosshatch in a reef and would it be wise to switch my BTT for a crosshatch like trade in and pay more in my LFS. Thanks.

 

[myerst22]

Crosshatch Triggers are expensive because they are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Also they are found in deep water, 100ft+. They are reef safe except they will eat decorative shrimps. Also they are expensive because they are beautiful. Your tank is a bit to small for a crosshatch. I would go with a sargassum or blue throat in a 125. Those are the other two triggers that are commonly available that re planktivores. Hopefullt camppbell will add some info as he knows a lot about them. Regards, Tim

 

[ccampbell57]

Your 125 is way too small for a crosshatch. My 180 is too small.
He is the main reason that I am upgrading (besides the fact that I want more angels.)
As Myerst22 said, crosshatches are mainly found in Hawaii (there are also a species that are found in Christmas Islands). They are only found in deep areas and the cost alone to catch them is very expensive.

 

[ccampbell57]

There are plenty of people that have them in reefs and love them. They are really great fish, but they are viscious swimmers and need a ton of room. I would also say that you need to be prepared to not QT these guys as they come straight from the reef and tend to be very large. Putting them in a QT stresses them out badly and will cause more harm than not.
I say this because with a FOWLR it is much easier to combat any additional "friends" that may come along.

 

[espkh9]

OK thanks guys will stay with the BTT in the 125 REEF.