Coral Reef
Triggerfish
More details
Blue Jaw Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
Pro
Pro
Description
A reef-safe oddity among triggerfish, the Blue Jaw sports a vivid powder-blue jaw and soft yellow margins. Known for its calm temperament, it's one of the few triggers safe for peaceful marine communities.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Blue Jaw Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to keep with stable water and enough swimming space. Needs a covered tank, solid diet, and calm tankmates for long-term health.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught from the Indo-Pacific, but relatively sustainable due to wide range and strong populations. Captive breeding is rare but possible.
Origin
Native to deep reef slopes of the Indo-Pacific, especially around Fiji, Hawaii, and the Philippines, at depths of 50–200 feet.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Males exhibit striking blue coloration on the jaw and belly, contrasted with a silver body and yellow fin trim. Elegant and less aggressive in movement compared to most triggers.
Purpose
Adds personality, motion, and color to larger marine tanks. Unlike other triggers, it doesn’t rearrange décor or pick at corals, making it compatible with some reef setups.
Importance
Ideal for aquarists who love triggerfish but want something community-friendly. Pairs well with other bold but non-aggressive fish in open aquascapes.
Included Resources
Needs strong flow, consistent oxygenation, protein skimmer, and tight-fitting lid. Enjoys caves or shaded rocks for hiding. Prone to jumping when stressed.
Best Use Cases
Suitable for fish-only or soft coral tanks, especially in tanks 125 gallons or larger. Peaceful FOWLR systems and semi-aggressive communities work best.
Conservation Context
Not currently threatened. Wild populations remain stable, but mindful sourcing still recommended.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Foxface rabbitfish
• Flame angels or coral beauties
• Wrasses (fairy, flasher, Halichoeres)
• Anthias
• Avoid lionfish, eels, and aggressive triggers
Region (A)
• Latitude: 17.7134° S
• Longitude: 178.0650° E
(Fiji – outer reef drop-offs)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 19.8968° N
• Longitude: 155.5828° W
(Hawaii – deeper reef slopes and coral shelves)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Blue Jaw Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to keep with stable water and enough swimming space. Needs a covered tank, solid diet, and calm tankmates for long-term health.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught from the Indo-Pacific, but relatively sustainable due to wide range and strong populations. Captive breeding is rare but possible.
Origin
Native to deep reef slopes of the Indo-Pacific, especially around Fiji, Hawaii, and the Philippines, at depths of 50–200 feet.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Males exhibit striking blue coloration on the jaw and belly, contrasted with a silver body and yellow fin trim. Elegant and less aggressive in movement compared to most triggers.
Purpose
Adds personality, motion, and color to larger marine tanks. Unlike other triggers, it doesn’t rearrange décor or pick at corals, making it compatible with some reef setups.
Importance
Ideal for aquarists who love triggerfish but want something community-friendly. Pairs well with other bold but non-aggressive fish in open aquascapes.
Included Resources
Needs strong flow, consistent oxygenation, protein skimmer, and tight-fitting lid. Enjoys caves or shaded rocks for hiding. Prone to jumping when stressed.
Best Use Cases
Suitable for fish-only or soft coral tanks, especially in tanks 125 gallons or larger. Peaceful FOWLR systems and semi-aggressive communities work best.
Conservation Context
Not currently threatened. Wild populations remain stable, but mindful sourcing still recommended.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Foxface rabbitfish
• Flame angels or coral beauties
• Wrasses (fairy, flasher, Halichoeres)
• Anthias
• Avoid lionfish, eels, and aggressive triggers
Region (A)
• Latitude: 17.7134° S
• Longitude: 178.0650° E
(Fiji – outer reef drop-offs)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 19.8968° N
• Longitude: 155.5828° W
(Hawaii – deeper reef slopes and coral shelves)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Blue Jaw Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to keep with stable water and enough swimming space. Needs a covered tank, solid diet, and calm tankmates for long-term health.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often wild-caught from the Indo-Pacific, but relatively sustainable due to wide range and strong populations. Captive breeding is rare but possible.
Origin
Native to deep reef slopes of the Indo-Pacific, especially around Fiji, Hawaii, and the Philippines, at depths of 50–200 feet.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Males exhibit striking blue coloration on the jaw and belly, contrasted with a silver body and yellow fin trim. Elegant and less aggressive in movement compared to most triggers.
Purpose
Adds personality, motion, and color to larger marine tanks. Unlike other triggers, it doesn’t rearrange décor or pick at corals, making it compatible with some reef setups.
Importance
Ideal for aquarists who love triggerfish but want something community-friendly. Pairs well with other bold but non-aggressive fish in open aquascapes.
Included Resources
Needs strong flow, consistent oxygenation, protein skimmer, and tight-fitting lid. Enjoys caves or shaded rocks for hiding. Prone to jumping when stressed.
Best Use Cases
Suitable for fish-only or soft coral tanks, especially in tanks 125 gallons or larger. Peaceful FOWLR systems and semi-aggressive communities work best.
Conservation Context
Not currently threatened. Wild populations remain stable, but mindful sourcing still recommended.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Foxface rabbitfish
• Flame angels or coral beauties
• Wrasses (fairy, flasher, Halichoeres)
• Anthias
• Avoid lionfish, eels, and aggressive triggers
Region (A)
• Latitude: 17.7134° S
• Longitude: 178.0650° E
(Fiji – outer reef drop-offs)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 19.8968° N
• Longitude: 155.5828° W
(Hawaii – deeper reef slopes and coral shelves)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Blue Jaw Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
Region
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