Pink Tail Trigger

About this fish

Pink Tail Trigger is a marine triggerfish sold under the name Melichthys vidua. This fish is typically chosen for saltwater aquariums where you want a bold, active centerpiece that spends much of its time cruising, investigating rockwork, and foraging for meaty foods. In practice, it’s most useful in larger tanks with stable water conditions and enough space for it to establish a territory, since triggerfish can be assertive with tankmates.

Features:

• Marine triggerfish (Melichthys vidua) for experienced saltwater aquarists
• Active, strong swimmer that benefits from live rock for sight lines and retreats
• Carnivorous diet; generally does best with frequent feedings of meaty foods and quality foods that sink/float appropriately
• Often territorial; plan tankmates carefully and provide room to reduce harassment
• Needs stable, well-oxygenated saltwater with reliable filtration and routine maintenance
• Best kept in aquariums with secure aquascaping where it cannot easily uproot or wedge itself

Specifications:

• Care level: Moderate to advanced (marine, carnivorous, can be territorial)
• Temperament: Assertive/territorial; may challenge or harass some tankmates
• Lighting: Not a primary requirement (standard aquarium lighting is fine)
• Water type: Marine (saltwater) aquarium
• Temperature: About 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• Salinity: Typically around 1.020–1.026 specific gravity
• pH: Typically about 8.1–8.4
• Diet: Meaty foods (e.g., marine-based frozen foods and/or appropriate carnivore pellets); may also take seafood items suitable for marine fish
• Adult size: Can reach roughly 20–30 cm (8–12 in), depending on conditions
• Placement in tank: Mid-to-lower areas with rockwork and open swimming space