Pinktail Triggerfish - Melichthys vidua

Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys vidua)

The Pinktail Triggerfish is a striking, large marine triggerfish with a dark olive-brown to almost black body, pale fins and the soft pink tail that gives the species its name. In the wild it occurs on current-swept, coral-rich seaward reefs, often at moderate depths and sometimes in loose groups. In aquaria it is one of the more manageable triggerfish, but it still becomes large, produces a heavy bioload and can be predatory towards smaller tankmates and invertebrates, so it is best suited to a spacious, mature marine system.

Common Name:
Pinktail Triggerfish. It is also commonly known as the Pink-tail Trigger or Paddlefin Triggerfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Melichthys vidua

Maximum Size:
Up to 35–40 cm in length.

Water Type:
Marine.

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found across the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa eastwards through northern Australia to the Hawaiian and Tuamotu Islands, and north to southern Japan. It is associated with seaward reefs, especially coral-rich areas exposed to currents, from shallow water down to around 60 metres.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 23–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025 SG

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive. This species is usually less belligerent than many other triggerfish, but it can still become territorial and may prey on small, docile fish if given the chance.

Diet:
Omnivorous with a strong meaty component. In the wild it feeds mainly on algae and detritus, but also takes crustaceans, octopuses, sponges and fishes. In captivity it should be offered a varied diet of meaty marine foods alongside some algae-based foods, and harder foods can help keep the teeth in good order.

Minimum Tank Size:
At least 400 litres is a sensible minimum for a smaller specimen, but a much larger aquarium is advisable for long-term care because adults become large and heavy-bodied. Some husbandry references recommend very large systems once fully grown.

Behaviour & Activity:
This is an active, diurnal fish that spends much of the day cruising the aquarium and investigating rockwork. It may be shy at first, but usually becomes bold once settled. Like many triggerfish, it may move sand or rearrange décor, and it often develops a very interactive personality.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
This species is one of the better triggerfish for reef-style aquaria, but caution is still needed. It may eat ornamental shrimps, snails, small crabs, small bivalves, bite-sized fish and sponges, especially as it matures. Monitor carefully in mixed reef systems and avoid housing it with decorative crustaceans or other vulnerable invertebrates.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a well-established marine aquarium with strong filtration, brisk water movement, secure rockwork and plenty of swimming space. Because it is a heavy feeder, water quality management is important. It is usually safest to keep one per tank, and tankmates should be chosen carefully.

Suitable for:
Intermediate to Experienced fishkeepers. It is hardier than some triggerfish once settled, but its adult size, appetite and compatibility issues make it a poor choice for beginners or smaller aquaria. This is an inference based on published husbandry guidance.

Availability:
Occasional in trade. It appears regularly enough to be known in the hobby, but it is not usually treated as a routine beginner marine fish. This is an inference based on aquarium-trade references and care listings.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.