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

0

/ 10

Adaptable and hardy, but requires space and thoughtful tankmates. Can become territorial if underfed or overcrowded.

Environment Impact

0

/ 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

0

/ 10

Adaptable and hardy, but requires space and thoughtful tankmates. Can become territorial if underfed or overcrowded.

Environment Impact

0

/ 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

0

/ 10

Adaptable and hardy, but requires space and thoughtful tankmates. Can become territorial if underfed or overcrowded.

Environment Impact

0

/ 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

Drag and orbit around the species’ natural range.

Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.

Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.

People also like…

![Zebra Goby (Gobiosoma oceanops)](A vibrant image of a Zebra Goby showcasing its blue and white stripes, swimming among coral in a saltwater aquarium.)

Zebra Goby (Gobiosoma oceanops)

Zebra Goby (Gobiosoma oceanops)
Zebra Goby (Gobiosoma oceanops)
A small, realistic fish figurine with a sleek black body and striking yellow stripe, showcasing intricate fin and eye details, is displayed against a plain white background, emphasizing its vibrant contrast and lifelike design.

Yellow Neon Goby (Elacatinus figaro)

Yellow Neon Goby (Elacatinus figaro)
Yellow Neon Goby (Elacatinus figaro)
A close-up image of a vibrant neon tetra fish with iridescent blue and pink scales, transparent fins, and a black horizontal stripe running along its side, set against a plain white background.

Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)

Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
 A vibrant image showcasing the Orange Neon Goby (Elacatinus figaro) with its striking orange and blue coloration, set against a colorful coral reef background.

Orange Neon Goby (Elacatinus figaro)

Orange Neon Goby (Elacatinus figaro)
Orange Neon Goby (Elacatinus figaro)
A vibrant yellow butterflyfish with distinctive black markings and elongated snout swims gracefully against a clean white background.

Yellownose Butterflyfish (Chaetodon flavirostris)

Yellownose Butterflyfish (Chaetodon flavirostris)
Yellownose Butterflyfish (Chaetodon flavirostris)
A vibrant, realistic-looking plastic model of an orange and purple shrimp features detailed segmented legs and antennae against a plain white background.

Commensal Shrimp (Family Palaemonidae)

Commensal Shrimp (Family Palaemonidae)
Commensal Shrimp (Family Palaemonidae)
A vibrant red shrimp with intricate white patterns on its shell stands against a plain background, showcasing its long antennae and detailed features.

Hingebeak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis / uritai)

Hingebeak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis / uritai)
Hingebeak Shrimp (Rhynchocinetes durbanensis / uritai)
“Tiger Dwarf Goby (Eviota tigris) swimming among coral with vibrant tiger-like stripes."

Tiger Dwarf Goby (Eviota tigris)

Tiger Dwarf Goby (Eviota tigris)
Tiger Dwarf Goby (Eviota tigris)
A brightly colored teal fish with vivid orange patterns and large fins is set against a plain white background.

Green Clown Goby (Gobiodon histrio)

Green Clown Goby (Gobiodon histrio)
Green Clown Goby (Gobiodon histrio)