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Little Shop of Coral

Blue Throat Triggerfish (Zanthichthys auromarginatus)

Blue Throat Triggerfish (Zanthichthys auromarginatus)

$100.00 CAD
$100.00 CAD
Sale Sold out
Sex

The Blue Throat Trigger is one of the most popular “reef friendlier” triggerfish, prized for its calm personality (for a trigger) and its bold colour accents, especially on males. It is an active open-water swimmer that adds serious presence without the constant rock-moving behaviour many triggers are known for. Best kept in a larger, established system with strong filtration and plenty of swimming space.

Why we love it

  • One of the more peaceful triggerfish species for community setups

  • Strong, confident swimmer with great personality

  • Male variant shows the signature blue throat colouring

Suggested parameters

  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)

  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0

  • Nitrate: Under 20 ppm (stable is best)

Care and temperament

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Temperament: Generally peaceful to semi-aggressive

  • Reef safe: With caution (typically leaves corals alone, but may eat some small crustaceans)

  • Minimum tank size: 125 gallons recommended (larger is better for long-term success)

Diet

Blue Throat Triggers do best with a varied, meaty diet.

  • Frozen mysis, krill, and chopped shrimp

  • Chopped clam, squid, and quality seafood blends

  • High-quality pellets for carnivores

  • Feed 1 to 2 times per day, with smaller portions more often when possible

Compatibility and tankmates

  • Generally does well with other medium to large reef fish

  • Avoid housing with very small ornamental shrimp or tiny crabs if you want to keep them long-term

  • Provide open swimming space plus rockwork for shelter

  • A tight-fitting lid is recommended, as triggers can jump during acclimation

Male vs Female

  • Male: More pronounced blue throat and often stronger colour accents

  • Female: Similar shape and patterning, typically more subdued colouring

What you are buying

  • You will receive: 1 Blue Throat Triggerfish (Zanthichthys auromarginatus)

  • Variant options: Male or Female (based on availability)

  • Colour and size can vary between individuals

As with all fish, slow acclimation is recommended, and quarantine is encouraged when possible for sensitive or high-value systems.

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LIGHT

LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.

MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height. 

HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.

FLOW

LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.

MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.

HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.

SKILL

ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.

While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.

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