Blue Throat Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus): A Reef-Safe Trigger?
The Blue Throat Triggerfish, also called the Gilded Trigger or Bluechin Trigger, is one of the most popular triggerfish in the saltwater aquarium hobby. Unlike many of its aggressive cousins, this species is comparatively peaceful, reef-friendly in many setups, and full of personality. If you’ve been curious about adding a trigger to your display tank, the Blue Throat Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus) is often the best place to start.
Natural Behavior and Temperament
Blue Throat Triggerfish are open-water planktivores, spending most of their time swimming in the water column rather than digging in the rockwork. Males are easy to identify by their blue throat patch and brighter yellow fin margins, while females are more subtly colored but just as active and engaging.
Compared to other triggers, they are:
- Moderately peaceful – usually compatible with other semi-aggressive fish.
- Less destructive – far less likely to rearrange rockwork or chew equipment.
- Generally reef-safe with caution – many hobbyists successfully keep them with corals, though small ornamental shrimp may be at risk.
For more on matching personalities in your tank, see our guide on saltwater fish compatibility.
Tank Size, Aquascape, and Water Parameters
Blue Throat Triggerfish are active swimmers that appreciate open space. A single adult does best in a tank of at least 125 gallons (475 L), with larger systems preferred for pairs or mixed communities.
Key setup guidelines:
- Aquascape: Create a U-shaped or island rock structure with caves for shelter and plenty of open water in the front and center for cruising.
- Cover the tank: They are capable jumpers. Use a tight-fitting mesh lid to prevent accidents.
- Stable parameters:
- Temperature: 76–79°F (24–26°C)
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Nitrate: <20 ppm, with strong export for larger, messy fish
Because they’re fairly large, messy eaters, robust filtration is essential. A quality protein skimmer and regular maintenance, as discussed in our reef tank maintenance checklist, will help keep nutrients under control.
Diet, Feeding, and Long-Term Care
In the wild, Blue Throat Triggerfish feed mainly on zooplankton. In captivity, they readily accept a wide range of foods and usually transition to prepared diets quickly.
Offer a varied diet of:
- High-quality marine pellets and flakes formulated for carnivores or omnivores
- Frozen mysis, krill, and chopped shrimp or clam
- Occasional shell-on foods (like small clams) to help wear down teeth
Feed 2–3 small meals per day, especially for new arrivals. A well-fed Blue Throat Trigger is less likely to pick at invertebrates and will display better color and activity.
Reef Compatibility and Tank Mates
While no triggerfish is completely risk-free, Blue Throats are among the most reef-compatible triggers available. Many hobbyists keep them successfully with:
- Soft and LPS corals
- Most SPS corals
- Snails and larger hermit crabs (small ones may still be targeted)
Choose tank mates that are confident and of similar size or temperament, such as tangs, wrasses, and larger clownfish. Avoid tiny nano fish and delicate ornamental shrimp. For stocking ideas, check out our beginner saltwater fish list and scale up to more robust species as needed.
Hobbyist Tip: Introduce the Blue Throat Triggerfish later in the stocking order. Adding them after more timid fish are established helps reduce territorial disputes.
Is the Blue Throat Triggerfish Right for Your Aquarium?
If you want a bold, interactive fish that breaks the stereotype of aggressive, coral-destroying triggers, the Blue Throat Triggerfish is a strong candidate. With a large, covered tank, solid filtration, and thoughtful tank mate selection, this species can be a long-lived centerpiece that adds movement and personality to your reef or FOWLR system.
Provide stable water conditions, a varied diet, and plenty of swimming room, and your Blue Throat Triggerfish will quickly become one of the most entertaining residents in your saltwater aquarium.
Sources
- Michael, S. (2001). Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species. Microcosm Ltd.
- Fenner, R. (2008). The Conscientious Marine Aquarist (2nd ed.). TFH Publications.
- FishBase. “Xanthichthys auromarginatus” species summary and distribution data.
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