Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Niger Triggerfish
Odonus niger (Rüppell, 1836)
Also called Red-toothed triggerfish, Redtooth triggerfish, Blue triggerfish, Redfang triggerfish
From Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, from the East African coast east to the Marquesas and Society Islands, north to southern Japan and south to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.12
At a glance the quick version
Commonly 23 to 30 cm; maximum recorded 50 cm total length. Aquarium specimens reach about 30 cm (12 in).
Looks how to spot one
Scaled, deep-bodied triggerfish with a lyre-shaped tail
A sturdy, oval triggerfish whose body glows deep blue to purple, with a paler blue head and blue-green lines around the face. Its tail fin sweeps out into long upper and lower points like a lyre, and its small teeth are a striking red. Its colour shifts with mood, food and surroundings.21
Personality what they are like
Among the calmer triggerfish when young, it grows bolder and more territorial with age. It suits a fish-only display with other sturdy, similarly sized fish.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active swimmer that moves with a propeller-like rippling of its dorsal and anal fins. In the wild it patrols current-swept reef channels, so it appreciates open swimming room plus rocky caves to retreat into.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Rated easy to care for. Keep it in a large fish-only aquarium with stable marine conditions; it may move rocks and decor around, so secure the aquascape.3
Home where they are happiest
A very large marine tank of at least about 680 litres (180 US gallons) with rock caves for shelter. Water about 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A meaty, varied diet such as squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard-shelled shrimp; the crunchy foods help wear down its continuously growing teeth. Wild fish eat zooplankton, sponges, crustaceans and some algae.312
Company who they like around
Can be kept singly with other robust, similarly sized fish. In the wild it gathers in large groups to feed on plankton, and pairs guard their nests together.123
The story where it all began
Eduard Rüppell described the species in 1836 from the Red Sea region. It is the sole member of its genus, and it has long been a popular aquarium fish, also caught in small local fisheries.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its red teeth are needle-sharp, with two prominent teeth in the upper jaw.2
- 2
It swims mainly by undulating its dorsal and anal fins rather than its pectoral fins.2
- 3
Only the female tends the eggs, but both parents stand guard over the nest.1
- 4
It can make grunting sounds.3
- 5
Large groups gather in open water above the reef to feed on zooplankton.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 13 January 2022)1
- Taxonomy
- Family Balistidae; the only species in the genus Odonus; described by Eduard Rüppell in 18362
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Niger Triggerfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Niger Triggerfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This keeps your triggerfish healthy without overfeeding.3 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Niger Triggerfish eat, and what should it never eat?
It enjoys a meaty, varied diet like squid, krill, clams, small fish, and hard-shelled shrimp, which help wear down its teeth. Avoid any foods not listed in its diet, and always check with a vet for specific concerns.312
How much space does a Niger Triggerfish need?
It needs a very large marine tank of at least about 680 litres (180 US gallons) with rock caves for shelter. This active swimmer appreciates open swimming room and secure decor.3
What temperature, light or water does a Niger Triggerfish need?
Keep water at 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Stable marine conditions are key, and Furry Diary suggests daily temperature checks and weekly salinity checks.3 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Niger Triggerfish's home?
Furry Diary's plan recommends weekly glass cleaning and water testing, with a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Daily top-ups with fresh RO water help maintain stability. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Niger Triggerfish live with others?
Yes, it can be kept singly or with other robust, similarly sized fish in a fish-only display. It grows more territorial with age, so choose tank mates carefully.231
How long does a Niger Triggerfish live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific details, consult a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Niger Triggerfish?
It's best not to handle this fish, as it can be territorial and may bite. Enjoy watching its active swimming and color changes from a safe distance.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Picasso TriggerfishWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Odonus niger summary fishbase.seused for names, distribution, depth, length, diet, breeding behaviour, IUCN status
- Wikipedia: Red-toothed triggerfish en.wikipedia.orgused for names, description, colour, swimming style, behaviour, taxonomy
- LiveAquaria: Niger Triggerfish liveaquaria.comused for aquarium care level, tank size, water parameters, diet, temperament
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.