Boomerang Triggerfish

The boomerang triggerfish takes its name from the sickle- or boomerang-shaped mark passing by the base of the pectoral fin; this mark is yellowish-green in juveniles and dark brown in adults. Its gray-brown body has a thin white line running back from the corner of the mouth. Among triggerfish it is a medium-sized and relatively mild species; it is hardy and takes to prepared food right away. Specimens are wild-collected.

• At least 500 liters and 150 cm in length; rock crevices where it can wedge itself at night by locking its dorsal spine.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C; strong filtration.
• Rocks must be firmly secured; it may stir up sand and small stones.
• Not reef-safe: It eats crabs, shrimp, snails, mussels and sea urchins; it may nip tube worms and some corals.

Omnivorous. Chopped mussels, shrimp, squid, krill, shelled foods, granule food and occasionally seaweed; shelled foods are important for wearing down its teeth. Fed 1–2 times a day.

Semi-aggressive; it is cantankerous towards its own species and other triggerfish. It usually gets along with hardy fish of a similar size.

Good companions: Tangs, large angelfish, foxface, large wrasses, large damsels, morays.

Avoid: Invertebrates and corals, small and slow fish, long-finned species, a second triggerfish.