keeping triggerfish with other species

[finleyd]

Can triggerfish be mixed, I'm thinking of a Picasso and a Niger, would that work? Got a 6x2x2 tank, just wondering if it's possible. If not, could I swap the Niger trigger for an Imperator Angelfish?

Also, between a yellow tang and a regal tang, which one would you choose? I know they can't be kept together, so it's one or the other for me.

[coltin]

Peaceful triggers can indeed be mixed, and a combination of a picasso and a Niger trigger should work out fine, as long as they're of similar size. I'd be cautious about mixing a trigger with an angel, though - if you do decide to go that route, make sure the trigger is small and the angel is eating well before introducing it.

As for tangs, I've seen yellow and blue tangs cohabitate just fine - my local fish store has six yellow tangs and one regal blue tang in their eight-foot coflake tank, and they all get along swimmingly.

[finleyd]

If the two triggers will get along, I think I'll pass on the angel. I've done some research and it seems like blue and yellow tangs don't mix well in home tanks, I just don't want the hassle of having to return one if they don't get along.

[zenoxa]

I've had a pinktailed trigger and a blue-lined trigger mixed together, and they'd occasionally have a spat, but nothing that would cause any lasting harm. Given their different ecological niches, I think a picasso and a niger trigger would likely get along just fine.

Coltin's right about the tangs, I don't think you'd have a problem with them fighting in a 6'x2' tank. In fact, you could probably keep more than two if you wanted to. Just make sure to add the least aggressive one first - in your case, that's the regal. Give it a week or two to settle in, and then you can add the yellow tang. If they're similarly sized or the regal is larger, you should be okay.

[finleyd]

I've had a pinktailed trigger and a blue-lined trigger mixed together, and they'd occasionally have a spat, but nothing that would cause any lasting harm. Given their different ecological niches, I think a picasso and a niger trigger would likely get along just fine.

Coltin's right about the tangs, I don't think you'd have a problem with them fighting in a 6'x2' tank. In fact, you could probably keep more than two if you wanted to. Just make sure to add the least aggressive one first - in your case, that's the regal. Give it a week or two to settle in, and then you can add the yellow tang. If they're similarly sized or the regal is larger, you should be okay.

Really grateful for the advice, it's brilliant news that I can get all four fish I wanted. I'm a bit clueless about stocking though, would smaller fish get picked on or eaten by the triggers or tangs? I'll definitely take your advice and add the regal first, I'll give it a month or so to settle in before thinking about adding a yellow tang. Thanks again for the help, I'll post up if I've got any more questions.

[coltin]

You can try adding some wrasses, they're pretty resilient. Small lionfish species, bigger damsels, and hawkfish might also do well. Big gobies and blennies could work too, and if you're feeling adventurous, an eel might be a nice addition. Just make sure to choose fish that are big enough to handle a bit of bullying and won't get stressed if someone gives them a hard time.

[zenoxa]

I kept a dartfish with my triggers and it actually worked out pretty well. The Niger would occasionally give chase, but there were no real injuries. However, I did find the dartfish on the floor one day, not sure if it's related or just a weird coincidence.

[finleyd]

I was thinking the Niger might see the dartfish as a snack, but zenoxa said they coexisted fine. As for schooling fish, you could try purple tangs, but they can be a bit aggressive, or maybe some anthias, they're pretty peaceful and look great in a group.

[coltin]

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[zenoxa]

Both Melichthys triggers and the Niger can thrive in groups. If you're looking for alternatives to green chromis, consider the numerous species of lionfish, various tangs like the regal and yellow, or even batfish and Monodactylus. You could also opt for dwarf angels or a variety of wrasses, including Fairy, Flasher, and Halichoeres. These options offer a lot of possibilities for grouping fish, especially in a spacious tank like a 6' x 2'.

Regarding the darter I kept with my triggers, it's true that the Niger could have easily eaten it, given the size difference. However, I added the Niger knowing its docile nature. My pinktailed trigger, on the other hand, was a unique character – a "kindly dictator" that ruled over the tank without harming the other fish, including the darter, two blennies, and two clownfish. It did defend itself against the Niger when attacked, resulting in occasional bite marks. Keep in mind that both triggers were significantly larger than the other fish.

If you're interested in learning more about pinktailed triggers, I've written a profile on them in the TFF SW profiles section. They're still my top choice for an all-round aquarium fish.