Coolest fish ever!

dyno · Jul 24, 2021

I just got this little guy and he is the most fun fish ever. I decided to try because he is only 3 inches. Hasn’t bothered and of his large tank buddies just yet. How cool is he for a $35 fish?

Lost in the Sauce · Jul 24, 2021

dyno said:
I just got this little guy and he is the most fun fish ever. I decided to try because he is only 3 inches. Hasn’t bothered and of his large tank buddies just yet. How cool is he for a $35 fish?

Looks pretty cool. What's it called?

ChiCity · Jul 24, 2021

orange striped (undulated) trigger
they get huge!

minus9 · Jul 24, 2021

That was my first official saltwater fish in the early 80’s (started with converting mollies) and was a blast. As mentioned, they get big and eventually they’ll rule the tank. Mine had so much personality and would see me when I entered the room and would immediately come towards me every time. They are often overlooked because of their behavior, but they are absolutely striking up close. Orange, blue, purple, yellow and black, etc…. and tail spikes. Keep an eye on its tank mates, as aggression can build quickly in these guys. Feed him some gorilla crabs and enjoy the show.

vetteguy53081 · Jul 24, 2021

They are low cost due to their disposition. This is by far one of the prettiest and nastiest of triggers and are known to bite hands of its' owners.

minus9 · Jul 24, 2021

Also, if you’re not quick during maintenance they’ll take the occasional tail swipe, which can be a little wicked. Speaking from experience.

Jedi1199 · Jul 24, 2021

I had one of those back when I first started saltwater in the early 90s. VERY aggressive and mean tempered fish. You can keep him if you have a large enough tank, but I advise caution with him... The occasional hand nip is nothing compared to the death of half of your fish. They will see any inverts such as snails, crabs, shrimp, or urchins as food. Triggerfish are actually natural urchin predators. They are specialized in attacking this species in particular.

I have a Picasso trigger in my 180 tank. He has killed off more than half of his tankmates. I am actually about to rehome him in the hopes I can get a smaller one that I can introduce after I restock the tank and let everyone establish territory. I am particularly disappointed with this as the Picasso trigger has always been one of my most favorite SW fish ever.

vtecintegra · Jul 24, 2021

Live Aquaria says a 180 gallon or larger tank. Gets a foot long.

ThRoewer · Jul 24, 2021

Balistapus undulatus, also known as Satan, the devil incarnate,... Adults are mean as hell.

Celestion · Jul 24, 2021

180 is good , a baby might get to 8 , in the home aquaria. Fantastico fish.

Celestion · Jul 24, 2021

Yup it's a angry fish , feed heavy

GuilhermeLba · Jul 24, 2021

Really pretty animal!

JumboShrimp · Jul 24, 2021

One of the coolest, most gorgeous fish for sure... but as the comments are strongly indicating, you have chosen to go where few fish-keepers dare... myself included.

G Santana · Jul 25, 2021

Love undulate triggers, beautiful fish.
Keep a close eye on him and enjoy.

Celestion · Jul 25, 2021

Just in case , always provide a cave of some sort for triggers , as soon as lights go out. , they bomb right in..with the top spike locked..

MaxTremors · Jul 25, 2021

dyno said:
I just got this little guy and he is the most fun fish ever. I decided to try because he is only 3 inches. Hasn’t bothered and of his large tank buddies just yet. How cool is he for a $35 fish?

Most aggressive fish I’ve ever owned. Was just a nasty thing. Also took a chunk out of the back of my hand, like a serious chunk, took months to heal and I still have a pretty gnarly circular scar from it. They’re cool, but they just don’t get along very well with pretty much anything.

Celestion · Jul 25, 2021

Good point max , if I can't maintain the aquarium without being injured , this beast is not for everyone,

JumboShrimp · Jul 25, 2021

I know he’s small now, but especially as he gets larger and more powerful, make sure your any stacked rocks can’t be leveraged (by him wedging) up and over and crack your glass.

dyno · Jul 25, 2021

Thanks everyone, yeah these guys have some confidence. He is with picasso, pinktail, niger, and clown triggers that are 3/4 times his size and he is right at home with that temperament. So pretty when you stop to enjoy the beautiful mixture of dark green and orange. He hasn’t bit me yet but now I am nervous. You guys won’t believe what my cowfish did with his bit, imagine the undulated lol!

dyno · Jul 25, 2021

MaxTremors said:
Most aggressive fish I’ve ever owned. Was just a nasty thing. Also took a chunk out of the back of my hand, like a serious chunk, took months to heal and I still have a pretty gnarly circular scar from it. They’re cool, but they just don’t get along very well with pretty much anything.

Love bite