The Blue Throat Trigger can makes a hardy and interesting captive. These fish are moderately sized and are relatively peaceful, when compared with other triggers. Blue Throat Triggers are commonly found at depths below 99 feet (30 meters). They may also be found in shallow waters, preferring to live singly or in small groups on the slopes of seaward reefs. Juvenile Blue Throat Triggers often live among floating sargassum plants, and for this reason, are often known as Sargassum Trigger Fish. Blue Throat Triggers eat crustaceans like crabs, in addition to sea urchins. Although in captivity, Blue Throat Triggers are considered to be relatively peaceful, some may not adapt well to captive life and may be less hardy than certain trigger species from shallower waters. The Blue Throat Trigger has a body that is shaped more like a torpedo than many triggers. By maturity, most measure 10 inches (25 centimeters) in length. These fish are predominantly gray-blue in color, though the shade of this color may vary to lighter or darker hues. The fins are largely translucent, though the body color may extend over them. The caudal fin is edged in red. The second dorsal and anal fins are marked with chocolate brown bands at their bases. Blue Throat Triggers have three blue lines running from the gill slits to the jaw. A number of dashed lines or rows of dots, brown in color, also accent the body. White spots are located in front of the high-set eyes, which protrude slightly from the Blue Throat Trigger's head. The Blue Throat Trigger is native to the Indo Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. They are not always available in the pet trade. |