{"product_id":"black-trigger-atlantic","title":"Black Trigger - Atlantic","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Black Trigger - Atlantic (\u003cem\u003eMelichthys niger\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Black Durgon, has a deep charcoal body with thin pale lines along the bases of the soft dorsal and anal fins. Blues and greens can show through the dark coloration under changing light. The Atlantic listing refers to the Black Durgon. The Indian Ocean Black Triggerfish sold under a similar name is \u003cem\u003eMelichthys indicus\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Black Durgon occurs in tropical seas worldwide. In the Atlantic, it is found from Florida and the Caribbean to Brazil, and around isolated oceanic islands. It moves between the reef surface and open water near crests and drop-offs, picking at algae and taking drifting animal food. This combination of swimming and feeding behaviors makes open water, well-distributed circulation, and access to marine algae important in the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlan for up to 19.7 inches (50 cm) and a minimum 300-gallon adult aquarium with a long, wide footprint. A large, mature fish-only display is straightforward to plan around its adult needs. A mixed reef can also be considered with care for exposed invertebrates, small fish, and delicate coral structures. Choose tankmates for their adult size, feeding behavior, and ability to share the same swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 300 gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Up to 19.7 inches (50 cm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Semi-Aggressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Omnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e With Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Tropical Atlantic, including the Caribbean, Brazil, and offshore islands\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMelichthys niger\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a large, mature marine aquarium with extensive open swimming space. Black Trigger - Atlantic are strong, active swimmers that spend considerable time cruising through the water column, making a long aquarium footprint particularly important for long-term housing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubstantial rockwork should be incorporated around the sides and rear of the aquarium to create caves, overhangs, and secure resting areas without sacrificing open water. Rock structures should be stable and securely positioned, as larger triggerfish are capable of disturbing loose rubble and unsecured decorations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModerate to strong, well-distributed water movement and excellent oxygenation are appropriate for this species and help replicate the current-swept reef crests and drop-offs it naturally inhabits.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA securely fitted aquarium lid is recommended. Triggerfish are powerful swimmers and may jump when startled or during territorial interactions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe adult minimum is 300 gallons. Evaluate the usable footprint as well as the gallon rating: the fish must be able to turn, reach a resting place, and pass companions without repeated close contact.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLeave access around the base of the aquascape for removing food fragments. Support heavy rocks securely before adding loose substrate, and retain more than one route between shelter and open water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeave an uninterrupted lane through the center or front of the display, with enough width at each end for an adult to turn easily. Arrange caves and overhangs along the sides or rear. Choose retreats with smooth entrances that accommodate the fish’s adult body and allow it to leave without scraping its fins or wedging against a narrow opening.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide broad circulation across the feeding lane and quieter water near resting sites. Strong surface movement helps support gas exchange, especially after feeding and in warm weather. Position intakes and overflows so drifting food remains available long enough to be caught, and keep the cover secure around plumbing openings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Black Durgon is an omnivore. It grazes algae and ingests detrital material as it picks at reef surfaces, and takes zooplankton higher in the water column. Algae can make up a substantial part of the diet in Atlantic populations. Provide regular access to marine plant foods alongside varied marine animal foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOffer suitable items in rotation:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnseasoned dried marine algae or nori\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eComplete marine omnivore pellets or flakes\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrozen omnivore blends containing marine algae\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnriched mysis and suitably sized frozen marine zooplankton\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinely chopped shrimp or other marine seafood as a supplement\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eOffer two to three modest meals daily, adjusted to body condition and total intake. Clip small pieces of seaweed where the fish can browse comfortably and remove pieces that detach or remain uneaten. Complete preparations provide a useful nutritional base, with frozen foods adding variety and opportunities to feed in the current.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDistribute small portions across the open swimming lane so slower tankmates can feed. Observe which foods the trigger actually swallows, especially during acclimation. Introduce a new food alongside an accepted item and assess intake over several meals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep fingers away from the mouth and use suitable feeding tools. Siphon accumulated food fragments and adjust the ration if nutrients rise or body condition changes. A regular schedule helps distinguish a change in appetite from ordinary variation between meals.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Black Trigger - Atlantic is generally less aggressive than many other large triggerfish species, but it should still be considered semi-aggressive. Juveniles may be relatively reserved when first introduced, while larger specimens often become increasingly confident as they mature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable tankmates include tangs, rabbitfish, larger angelfish, robust wrasses, other appropriately sized triggerfish, and similarly confident marine fish. Avoid very small, timid, or slow-moving species that may be intimidated or eventually viewed as potential prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdequate swimming room and multiple retreats help minimize territorial disputes. A single specimen is the most straightforward choice for most home aquariums.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompatibility must be reassessed after the fish settles in and as it matures. Repeated chasing, damaged fins, missed meals, or a fish confined to one corner are signs that the arrangement is not working.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHave a practical separation plan before introductions. Visual barriers and distributed feeding can reduce some competition, but they cannot make a persistently aggressive combination safe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAssess companions at their adult size and account for their feeding behavior. Robust fish that already occupy the same open lanes can crowd the trigger at feeding time. Smaller or slower fish may need a separate feeding area and independent shelter. Introduce each new animal with a plan to separate it quickly if food access, movement, or normal resting behavior changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeep one Black Trigger - Atlantic as the default for a home display. Any attempt to combine triggers calls for additional space, compatible individuals, and multiple retreats that can be reached without crossing a defended area. Watch interactions as the fish settles in and whenever a change to the rockwork or stocking alters established territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Black Trigger - Atlantic is best considered reef safe with caution. It spends time grazing surfaces and feeding in open water. Coral is generally compatible, while small ornamental animals and loosely mounted fragments need particular consideration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, no large triggerfish should be assumed completely safe with all reef inhabitants. Ornamental shrimp, small crabs, tiny fish, sea urchins, worms, and other exposed invertebrates may be investigated or consumed, particularly as the fish matures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCoral compatibility is generally good, but individual behavior should always be monitored in mixed reef systems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegular feeding does not guarantee that potential prey will be ignored. Select the display around the animals you need to protect rather than assuming that an established cleanup crew is safe.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSecure loose coral fragments or decorations and preserve clear routes around the aquascape. A short period without damage is not proof of permanent compatibility.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a mixed reef, leave clearance around branching corals and secure frags where a large fish cannot easily dislodge them while turning. A coral display can be suitable even where ornamental shrimp or very small fish would be poor choices. Give particular consideration to prized invertebrates that spend time exposed at feeding stations or on open rock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 75–80°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain an established biological filter and good oxygenation. Ammonia and nitrite should remain undetectable, and routine testing should guide water changes and nutrient export rather than waiting for visible deterioration.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheck salinity with a calibrated instrument and replace evaporated water with freshwater. Match replacement saltwater to the aquarium during water changes, and avoid sudden changes in temperature, salinity, or pH.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep feeding and maintenance consistent. Changes in appetite, breathing, or normal activity warrant investigation even when the water looks clear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a mature observation system with a secure lid, adequate swimming room, and a sheltered retreat for a new arrival. Keep the temperature and salinity stable while the fish begins feeding reliably. Check circulation and oxygenation after equipment service, and adjust nutrient export to account for the small, frequent meals used for this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAtlantic identification:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Black Durgon is \u003cem\u003eMelichthys niger\u003c\/em\u003e. Use the scientific name to distinguish it from similarly named triggerfish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge adult size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Reaches approximately 19.7 inches and requires a very large aquarium with extensive open swimming space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef safe with caution:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Generally coral-compatible, but ornamental crustaceans and other small invertebrates may be at risk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePowerful swimmer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Requires a long aquarium footprint, strong oxygenation, and substantial unobstructed swimming room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult personality:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e May become increasingly confident and territorial as it grows despite being relatively mild compared with many other triggerfish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"XL (6.6-7.5\")","offer_id":53473757102378,"sku":"TRIxABlkX","price":344.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XX (7.6-8.5\")","offer_id":53473946140970,"sku":"TRIxABlkXX","price":404.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SH (8.6-10.5\")","offer_id":53473946173738,"sku":"TRIxABlkSH","price":554.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"J (10.6+\")","offer_id":53473946206506,"sku":"TRIxABlkJUM","price":599.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"S","offer_id":53473946239274,"sku":"TRIxABlkS","price":134.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":53473946272042,"sku":"TRIxABlkSM","price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M","offer_id":53473946304810,"sku":"TRIxABlkM","price":206.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML","offer_id":53473946337578,"sku":"TRIxABlkML","price":239.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":53473946370346,"sku":"TRIxABlkL","price":254.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Black-Trigger-Atlantic.png?v=1793913054","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/black-trigger-atlantic","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}