Triggers

[redrum_916]

Can I fit any type of triggers in my tank? I currently have a 55 gallon tank and have nothing in it but starter fish (going back to store when cycle is done)

 

[wizardofos]

Most triggers get quite large - 12"+++
55 would not last more than 6 to 12 months if you purchased a small 1-2" fish.
They are really cool fish - don't place them in a small space. I have one myself - very aggressive at feeding time.
I would recomend one of the smaller puffers - very similar in behavior - but there are several that don't get over 6". Do some searches and check you options out.
JMO - Have the space for the full grown fish.

 

[redrum_916]

ok, thanks for the info!!! Im thinking about the Valentini Puffer.

 

[kart racer]

Redrum, one option you have is an undulated trigger in a 55 although it would be the only fish you could keep in there as he would certainly kill any tankmates. Very aggressive fish.

 

[fatpuffer]

Actually, some triggers get huge, but not all. Stay away from the Queen trigger...not only are they super aggressive, but they grow fast. Triggers that don't grow as fast include the Huma, Blue throat, Niger and Pinktail to name a few. You can keep 1 of these in a 55 gallon, but they should be the last fish added to the tank and beware that they will fight with other tank mates.
My experience with triggers is that you want a bigger tank just to limit the aggression of these fish. The ones I mentioned above grow like a football and probably won't outgrow a 55 gallon for at least 2-3 years, if you get them at an initial size of 1-2 inches. I've had a huma and blue throat for about 5 years now and besides them being super aggressive, are great fish to have-very hardy and resistant to disease and are virtually indestructable.

 

[redrum_916]

on saltwaterfish.com they say they have a "small" clown trigger. Would he work or get to big?

 

[kart racer]

A small clown trigger will get big. I am not sure how long it will take though. I am looking for one of those myself.

 

[fatpuffer]

A clown trigger doesn't grow that fast. Very similar to the other triggers i listed, but beware that this is the MOST AGGRESSIVE trigger in the family. They shouldn't be mixed with other triggers, but I've seen them get along with other ones in aggressive tanks. If you get one, make sure it's the last fish added and also make sure it's the smallest fish in the tank. I was contemplating getting one myself, but I think I'm gonna go with a 3rd trigger-pink tail-or maybe a wrasse. Not sure yet. good luck!

 

[zemuro114]

small means.. 1 inch. small CTs have a VERY HIGH mortality rate. Very high. Although one of the most aggressive, undulated and queen are probably high on the aggressive scale. But still, they are known to snap one day and kill for fun. So stay away from "small" or "tiny" clown triggers

 

[offshore80]

I would get a Huma. They get to about 10" and can handle a 55. and are fun to watch.

 

[khill]

I just had to git rid of my Clown Trigger three weeks ago. I got him when he was the size of a quarter and had him for 4 to 5 years. He was a great fish when he was small, but he had grown to 4 inches long and started getting very nasty with the other fish.
I bought an algee blenny and placed him in a hang-on breeder tank inside the 75. The trigger was trying to eat threw the plastic to get to the blenny.
Clown Triggers are awesome, but they do not get along with new smaller fish or any fish smaller than them.
Keith

 

[yas2903]

This might sound crazy but at this resturant i go to they have a clown trigger about 5inch and humu same size they dont mess with each other but a tomato clown picks on the clown and the clown is smaller.:notsure:

 

[fatpuffer]

Triggers tend to stay away from clowns, but they'll tear apart damsels. I threw in 3 damsels into the tank with my huma and the next day only 1 was still alive with half it's spine missing. My clowns have never had problems with them.