Undulated Triggerfish - Balistapus undulatus

Undulated Triggerfish (Balistapus undulatus)

The Undulated Triggerfish is a bold, highly territorial marine predator recognised for its deep green to blue-green body, vivid orange facial lines and powerful jaws. Although exceptionally striking, it is one of the more aggressive triggerfish commonly encountered in the aquarium trade and is best maintained as a solitary feature fish or with only very carefully selected robust tankmates. Its strong feeding response, intelligence and impressive presence make it suitable for experienced marine aquarists with a large, secure aquarium.

Common Name:
Undulated Triggerfish, Orange-lined Triggerfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Balistapus undulatus

Maximum Size:
Approximately 30 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Undulated Triggerfish has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution and is commonly associated with coral reefs, lagoons and seaward reef slopes.

It inhabits areas with substantial coral and rocky structure, where adults establish territories and forage for a wide variety of benthic prey.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Aggressive / Territorial / Predatory

The Undulated Triggerfish is highly territorial and can become extremely aggressive towards other fish, particularly once established.

It is generally safest kept as a single specimen unless housed in a very large system with carefully chosen tankmates that are equally robust and unlikely to be intimidated.

Diet:
Carnivore / Predatory

Offer a varied diet of meaty marine foods including chopped prawn, mussel, cockle, squid, krill and pieces of marine fish.

Hard-shelled foods can also be offered periodically to encourage natural biting behaviour and help provide enrichment for its powerful jaws.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 500 litres

Its adult size, high activity level and strongly territorial nature mean the Undulated Triggerfish requires a spacious aquarium with substantial swimming room and robust aquascaping.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Undulated Triggerfish is an active, intelligent and highly confident marine fish.

It spends much of its time patrolling the aquarium, investigating rockwork and searching for food. Once established, individuals can become extremely possessive of particular caves or sections of the aquarium.

Provide substantial open swimming space alongside large caves and secure rock structures.

Rockwork should be firmly positioned, as triggerfish are capable of moving loose stones, shells and smaller decorative items while feeding or rearranging their territory.

Reef Safe:
Not Reef Safe

The Undulated Triggerfish should not be considered reef safe.

Its natural predatory behaviour means ornamental shrimp, crabs, snails, urchins and other mobile invertebrates are likely to be attacked or consumed.

It may also damage coral structures indirectly while feeding, biting or rearranging rockwork.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
This species should be housed in a large, mature marine aquarium with strong filtration and excellent oxygenation.

Powerful biological and mechanical filtration are especially important because triggerfish are enthusiastic feeders and can produce a significant biological load.

Tankmates must be selected with extreme caution. Even large, robust fish may be attacked once the triggerfish becomes established.

Provide substantial caves and hiding places, but ensure all rockwork is secure enough to withstand vigorous movement and biting.

Like other triggerfish, this species has powerful teeth and jaws. Care should be taken during aquarium maintenance, particularly around a mature territorial individual.

A tightly fitted aquarium lid is recommended.

Suitable for:
Experienced

Availability:
Regularly available

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.