Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys Vidua)

The Pinktail Triggerfish (Melichthys vidua) is a striking marine species admired for its rich body coloration, vibrant yellow accents, and signature pink tail fin. As one of the more docile members of the triggerfish family, it brings lively activity and an inquisitive personality to large saltwater setups.

Reaching an adult size of up to 40 cm, this active swimmer requires an aquarium of at least 473 L to 681 L equipped with secure rockwork and caves. While generally safe with corals when monitored, it thrives on a varied carnivorous diet including hard-shelled foods to maintain healthy dental wear.

Key Features

Highlights

• Scientific Name: Melichthys vidua
• Primary Common Name: Pinktail Triggerfish
• Other Common Names: Red-Tailed Triggerfish, Whitetailed Triggerfish
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Max Size: 15-16 inches (38-40 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (One of the most peaceful triggers)
• Diet: Omnivore/Carnivore (Must include hard-shelled food)
• Minimum Tank Size: 125-180+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (Likely to eat ornamental shrimp and snails)

Materials & care

• Diet: This trigger is an omnivore/carnivore that grazes primarily on algae, sponges, and small invertebrates in the wild. In the aquarium, it requires a varied diet of meaty frozen foods (mysis shrimp, squid, clam, krill) supplemented with marine algae or spirulina-based pellets.
• Teeth Care: It is essential to regularly provide hard-shelled, meaty foods (such as whole clams-in-shell or mussels) to naturally wear down its constantly growing beak and prevent overgrowth, which can hinder feeding.
• Reef Compatibility: The Melichthys genus is considered reef safe with caution. While it is generally safe for large stony and soft corals, it will readily consume ornamental crustaceans (shrimp, crabs) and smaller snails.
• Temperament: It is semi-aggressive to aggressive. It is generally peaceful toward larger, fast-moving tankmates like tangs, angels, and large wrasses, but may bully smaller or shy fish. It should be added as one of the last fish to the aquarium.

Compatibility

Compatible with large, active tankmates such as tangs, large angels, and wrasses. It may bully smaller, timid fish and will consume ornamental invertebrates like shrimp and small crabs.

Important Fulfillment Information

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Shipping Cost Disclosure

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