Black Trigger

Melichthys niger

Identification	Deep black body with vivid white lines running along the base of the dorsal and anal fins, and a blue-white stripe at the base of the tail. Elegant and understated.
Maximum Length	Up to 14 inches (35 cm)
Origin	Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific — circumtropical
Minimum Tank Size	150 gallons
Reef Compatible	With caution — generally one of the more reef-tolerant triggers

Behavior

Also known as the Black Durgon. One of the calmer, less destructive triggers available. Naturally feeds more on algae and plankton than crustaceans, making it significantly more reef-compatible than most. Can be kept with corals if well fed, though caution with invertebrates is warranted.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore. Feeds on algae, zooplankton, and some invertebrates. Offer a varied diet of marine algae, frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and reef-friendly pellets. Regular algae feeding reduces invertebrate nipping.

Cautions

May still nip at clam mantles and some invertebrates. Monitor closely in reef systems.