Queen Triggerfish

The Queen Triggerfish (Balistes vetula) is an aggressive species that is not reef-safe, admired for its brilliant coloration, striking blue and yellow patterns, bold personality, and impressive size.

Males typically display more vibrant hues with elongated dorsal and tail fin extensions, while females and juveniles are slightly duller in color and lack the elongated fin streamers. They reach about 20 inches in adulthood and should be housed in aquariums of at least 300 gallons due to their size and activity level. Provide ample live rock for hiding spots, open swimming space, and a deep sandbed for natural behavior, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temperature ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and a secure lid since triggerfish are powerful and can jump.

Their diet should consist of meaty foods such as squid, shrimp, clams, krill, and high-quality marine pellets, though they may also accept mysis, brine, and other protein-rich offerings. With proper care and plenty of space, the Queen Triggerfish makes a striking centerpiece species for large marine aquariums, though it is best kept with other large, aggressive tank mates.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.