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…

Toothpick Fish (Indostomus paradoxus)

Toothpick Fish (Indostomus paradoxus)
Toothpick Fish (Indostomus paradoxus)
A close-up image of an alligator snapping turtle with a rugged shell and powerful jaws, captured against a plain white background.

Mata Mata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata)

Mata Mata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata)
Mata Mata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata)
A realistic, brown tortoise figurine with a textured shell and detailed facial features, set against a plain white background.

African Side-neck Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa)

African Side-neck Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa)
African Side-neck Turtle (Pelomedusa subrufa)
A brown turtle with a textured shell and scaly legs is standing on a white background, looking forward attentively.

West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)

West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)
West African Mud Turtle (Pelusios castaneus)
A softshell turtle with a long neck and distinctive patterned shell is positioned against a plain, neutral background, showcasing its textured skin and unique markings.

Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox, Apalone spinifera, Apalone mutica)

Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox, Apalone spinifera, Apalone mutica)
Softshell Turtle (Apalone ferox, Apalone spinifera, Apalone mutica)
A brown snapping turtle with textured skin and a hard shell stands on a plain white background, showcasing its rugged, prehistoric appearance.

Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)
Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)