Guilded Triggerfish

Guilded Triggerfish

Description of the Guilded Triggerfish
The Guilded Triggerfish is also known as the Blue Throat Trigger Fish, Blue Jaw Trigger Fish and Blue Chin Trigger Fish. The picture above shows a female guilded triggerfish, they lack the blue coloring that the males have on their jaw but have a striking blue rim around their eye. It is recommended to place a single male in the tank with one or more females to minimise aggression. The guilded triggerfish can be fed by hand but be warned, they can bite!

Profile of the Guilded Triggerfish
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Guilded Triggerfish species.

• Size: Up to 30cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1-8.4

• Diet / Feeding: Fresh or Frozen Krill, Shrimp or Squid

• Temperament: Territorial and need plenty of space

• Habitat: Coral Dwellers

• Behaviour: Keep in small groups with no more than one male to minimise aggression

• Range: Indo-Pacific

Scientific Classification of the Guilded Triggerfish
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Xanthichthys auromarginatus

• Popular Name: Guilded Triggerfish -  Blue-throated Triggerfish

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Tetraodontiformes

• Family: Balistidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Guilded Triggerfish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Guilded Triggerfish slimy?
Guilded Triggerfish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Guilded Triggerfish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Guilded Triggerfish have gills?
Gills enable the Guilded Triggerfish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Guilded Triggerfish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Guilded Triggerfish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Guilded Triggerfish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Guilded Triggerfish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Guilded Triggerfish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Guilded Triggerfish