Undulate Trigger
Balistapus undulatus
Identification: The Undulated Trigger is dark green with orange lines running the length of the body. The females and the males are slightly different in color. The females have stripes between the eyes and the mouth, while the males lack the stripes. In addition, males will grow larger than females.
Maximum Length: Grows to a maximum length of approximately 11-13 inches
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Minimum tank size: 55 Gal.
Behavior: This species is one of the most aggressive marine aquarium species that you will find, but because of its hardiness and its coloration, it is a favorite among many aquarists. Readily available in the marine aquarium trade, the potential owner of this species should be aware that it will invariably kill or harass almost any other species of fish in the marine aquarium environment. Do not let the fact that this species may be shy when first introduced into the aquarium lull you into a false sense of security. This animal is extremely aggressive, even at times taking a piece of the aquarist with it when being hand fed. Although this species has been kept with other aggressive inhabitants, often the ideal environment is a 20-50 gallon aquarium in which the only inhabitant is the Undulated Triggerfish.
Feeding and diet: Meaty diet, including chopped shrimp, squid, clams, krill, silversides and fish.
Reef Compatibility: This species is absolutely to be avoided by the marine reef aquarist as it will devour both invertebrates and ornamental crustaceans.
Cautions: Use care when working with this fish: It will bite the hand that feeds it.
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