Father was sold the wrong fish... (reef tank)

[GoReefin]

Hi all my father and I went shopping at a few fish stores and I put a blue throat trigger fish on hold for him about a month ago. Somehow he ended up going home with a small niger trigger... no agression yet. It's been in the tank for 1 month. My father wants to keep him but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before it goes berserk. Any ideas on how to remove him?

Thanks guys.

 

[Jared Bryant]

3 options. Trap it, Drain water until he cannot run from you and last a small barbless fly fishing hook and string. None are easy so good luck! Always research before adding to the tank.

 

[Saltysecondsreefing]

rent or buy a fish trap

 

[i cant think]

Hi all my father and I went shopping at a few fish stores and I put a blue throat trigger fish on hold for him about a month ago. Somehow he ended up going home with a small niger trigger... no agression yet. It's been in the tank for 1 month. My father wants to keep him but I'm sure it's only a matter of time before it goes berserk. Any ideas on how to remove him?

Thanks guys.

I’d keep him and wait until he does damage. Maybe you can enjoy a nice fish for a while

 

[GoReefin]

3 options. Trap it, Drain water until he cannot run from you and last a small barbless fly fishing hook and string. None are easy so good luck! Always research before adding to the tank.

Did research I put a blue throat on hold but sadly they gave him a niger when he went back to pick it up. Frustrating! I'll let him know. Will probably just try a fish trap or hook but I think the tangs will get in the way.

 

[GoReefin]

I’d keep him and wait until he does damage. Maybe you can enjoy a nice fish for a while

I hear once the damage starts it's quick and will kill the fish within a couple days. At least that's what I've heard with these guys.

 

[areefer01]

There are a few traps that would work. The in-tank bubble / bowel trap works wonders if you have the space. There is also a really nice square acclimation box / fish trap that also works.

This is anecdotal of course but I knew a few hobbyists that have Nijers that are model citizens. Of course every fish and condition is different so your mileage may vary. Size of display will matter of course as do tank mates. If there is a concern or question then trapping is ideal, bowel or box, and above all no hooks (barless included). You could naturally get the fish out with a trap or net given patience.

Pretty fish though. All the best.

 

[miyags]

One of the more docile triggers and somewhat reef safe. From what I read anyways. the biggest problem I see is the size of tank they all are in?

 

[Enderg60]

Inverts might not last long but I doubt he will go for corals or anything like that.

Niger triggers are usually pretty good in reefs.

Also a fish trap and some shrimp will get him easy.

 

[Tired]

That tank looks too small for a trigger, or for either of those tangs. How big is it?

A barbless micro hook can work as a last resort, but I don't know that it would be a good idea on a trigger, as they have beaks. Traps are a better bet. Or just bait it up with food and net it quick.

 

[RedoubtReef]

I

One of the more docile triggers and somewhat reef safe. From what I read anyways. the biggest problem I see is the size of tank they all are in?

I'm wondering the same thing about the size of this display.

 

[GoReefin]

One of the more docile triggers and somewhat reef safe. From what I read anyways. the biggest problem I see is the size of tank they all are in?

It's a 150g 4 ft tank just tall.

 

[GoReefin]

I

I'm wondering the same thing about the size of this display.

He will be upgrading to an 8 foot tank eventually.

 

[GoReefin]

I

I'm wondering the same thing about the size of this display.

It's a 150g

 

[JaimeAdams]

Lots of people have Niger Triggers in reef tanks. They aren't as safe as a Blue Throat, but generally speaking they are not that bad.

 

[nereefpat]

I'd just keep it. They aren't *that much nastier than blue throats. They do get big eventually.

Edit: JaimeAdams beat me to it

 

[Crustaceon]

No issues so far with my 6" niger trigger. It gets along perfectly fine with an emperor angel, blue tang, sailfin tang, blonde naso tang all of the same size, a pair of clowns, bangaii cardinal and a mandarin dragonet. This is in a 187 gallon display (which will be replaced with something a tad bit larger (and designed around large "swimmy" fish) once I'm finished building it.)

 

[exnisstech]

Had my Niger for several years. Model citizen, doesnt even bother cleaner shrimp or turbo snails

 

[GoReefin]

Glad to hear all the reports of them doing well with other inhabitants in a reef tank. May have to rethink catching him now and seeing how he behaves.

 

[death-by-reef]

ive always wanted to do a niger trigger, is he nice looking?