Coral Reef
Triggerfish
More details
Black Durgon Triggerfish (Melichthys niger)
Pro
Pro
Description
A jet-black reef dweller with electric blue-green sheens under light, the Black Durgon is one of the more peaceful triggerfish. Its bold silhouette and shimmering finish add contrast to open marine scapes.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Black Durgon Triggerfish (Melichthys niger)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Adaptable and hardy, but requires space and thoughtful tankmates. Can become territorial if underfed or overcrowded.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Primarily wild-caught in the Indo-Pacific. Populations are healthy but captive breeding is not yet common.
Origin
Common across Indo-Pacific reefs from Hawaii to the Maldives, usually found at drop-offs and surge zones.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Glossy black body with blue iridescence, long trailing dorsal and anal fins, and a subtle green reflection under strong lighting. Eye-catching and elegant.
Purpose
Provides motion, shape contrast, and personality. Known to be less destructive than most triggers, making it more aquascape-friendly.
Importance
A great introduction to the triggerfish family for aquarists seeking bold looks without aggressive tendencies. Adds vertical presence in the water column.
Included Resources
Requires a secure lid, powerful filtration, moderate to strong flow, and open swimming space. Rock shelters help reduce stress and aggression.
Best Use Cases
Ideal in fish-only or predator-safe tanks. Can be housed with tangs, larger wrasses, and puffers. Not safe with small inverts or reef corals.
Conservation Context
Wild populations are stable. Responsible sourcing is advised due to widespread collection across multiple reef zones.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Niger Triggerfish
• Large fairy wrasses
• Porcupine puffers
• Harlequin tuskfish
• Large angelfish
(Avoid shrimp, crabs, or slow feeders)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 21.3069° N
• Longitude: 157.8583° W
(Honolulu, Hawaii – reef slopes and walls)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore Strait – Indo-Pacific coral channels)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Black Durgon Triggerfish (Melichthys niger)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Adaptable and hardy, but requires space and thoughtful tankmates. Can become territorial if underfed or overcrowded.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Primarily wild-caught in the Indo-Pacific. Populations are healthy but captive breeding is not yet common.
Origin
Common across Indo-Pacific reefs from Hawaii to the Maldives, usually found at drop-offs and surge zones.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Glossy black body with blue iridescence, long trailing dorsal and anal fins, and a subtle green reflection under strong lighting. Eye-catching and elegant.
Purpose
Provides motion, shape contrast, and personality. Known to be less destructive than most triggers, making it more aquascape-friendly.
Importance
A great introduction to the triggerfish family for aquarists seeking bold looks without aggressive tendencies. Adds vertical presence in the water column.
Included Resources
Requires a secure lid, powerful filtration, moderate to strong flow, and open swimming space. Rock shelters help reduce stress and aggression.
Best Use Cases
Ideal in fish-only or predator-safe tanks. Can be housed with tangs, larger wrasses, and puffers. Not safe with small inverts or reef corals.
Conservation Context
Wild populations are stable. Responsible sourcing is advised due to widespread collection across multiple reef zones.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Niger Triggerfish
• Large fairy wrasses
• Porcupine puffers
• Harlequin tuskfish
• Large angelfish
(Avoid shrimp, crabs, or slow feeders)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 21.3069° N
• Longitude: 157.8583° W
(Honolulu, Hawaii – reef slopes and walls)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore Strait – Indo-Pacific coral channels)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Black Durgon Triggerfish (Melichthys niger)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Adaptable and hardy, but requires space and thoughtful tankmates. Can become territorial if underfed or overcrowded.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Primarily wild-caught in the Indo-Pacific. Populations are healthy but captive breeding is not yet common.
Origin
Common across Indo-Pacific reefs from Hawaii to the Maldives, usually found at drop-offs and surge zones.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Glossy black body with blue iridescence, long trailing dorsal and anal fins, and a subtle green reflection under strong lighting. Eye-catching and elegant.
Purpose
Provides motion, shape contrast, and personality. Known to be less destructive than most triggers, making it more aquascape-friendly.
Importance
A great introduction to the triggerfish family for aquarists seeking bold looks without aggressive tendencies. Adds vertical presence in the water column.
Included Resources
Requires a secure lid, powerful filtration, moderate to strong flow, and open swimming space. Rock shelters help reduce stress and aggression.
Best Use Cases
Ideal in fish-only or predator-safe tanks. Can be housed with tangs, larger wrasses, and puffers. Not safe with small inverts or reef corals.
Conservation Context
Wild populations are stable. Responsible sourcing is advised due to widespread collection across multiple reef zones.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Niger Triggerfish
• Large fairy wrasses
• Porcupine puffers
• Harlequin tuskfish
• Large angelfish
(Avoid shrimp, crabs, or slow feeders)
Region (A)
• Latitude: 21.3069° N
• Longitude: 157.8583° W
(Honolulu, Hawaii – reef slopes and walls)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore Strait – Indo-Pacific coral channels)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Black Durgon Triggerfish (Melichthys niger)
Region
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