The Black Triggerfish is a large fish from the family Balistidae. In spite of it common name, not all specimens are black in color. The fish is generally more of a navy blue to purple color with the lower half of the head being olive green. The teeth are a distinct red color.

Swimming is accomplished by movement of its graceful fins rather than movement of the body itself. The head is quite large, making up 1\3 of the fish's mass. The eyes are high-set on the head. The mouth is small for such a large fish.

Odonus niger is not as aggressive as other Triggerfish species. However it is no angel either and should be kept with fish of the same size only. They grow to 20" or more in their natural habitat but in captivity usually attain such a length only in large display tanks.

Tank Setup

Due to their large adult size it is recommended to keep your Black Trigger in an aquarium no smaller than 135 gallons in volume. Provide hiding places through the use of rocks. Triggerfish should not be kept in reef tanks as they will eat crustaceans and essential mobile and sessile invertebrates. These fish may jump so use a tight-fitting canopy.

Feeding

A variety of foods can be used to satisfy their nutritional requirements. Crustaceans, mollusks, fresh seafood, frozen seafood, vegetable matter and fortified flake food are enough to keep them healthy and growing.

Water Chemistry

A salinity level between 1.023 to 1.027 is recommended along with a temperature between 75-82 degrees F. If kept in proper conditions the fish lives a long and active life of more than 10 years.

Breeding

Successful breeding of the species in captivity has not been reported.