Blue Throat Trigger (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)

The Blue Throat Trigger (Xanthichthys auromarginatus), also called the Bluejaw or Gilded Triggerfish, is one of the most peaceful and reef-tolerant triggers in the hobby. Males show off a brilliant electric-blue throat and gold-edged fins, while females wear a softer silvery-blue with speckled fins. Hardy, personable, and always cruising the open water, it makes a spectacular centerpiece for a large fish-only or fish-with-caution reef system. Care level: intermediate. Temperament: semi-aggressive.

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Care Guide

Unlike most triggers, the Blue Throat feeds primarily on plankton drifting in the water column rather than crushing hard-shelled prey, which makes it far more mild-mannered and less destructive to rockwork. It is hardy once established but needs a large, well-oxygenated tank with strong flow and plenty of open swimming room, plus caves and overhangs to retreat into at night.

• Give it space: a 125 gallon or larger aquarium with open water and secure rock caves.
• Stable marine water: keep salinity, temperature, and pH steady with good circulation.
• Secure the lid: triggers are strong and can be skittish; a tight-fitting lid prevents jumps.
• Diet: carnivore; feed meaty foods such as mysis, krill, and chopped seafood two to three times daily.

Male & Female

This species is sexually dimorphic. The male displays the signature electric-blue throat and bright gold margins on the fins. The female is more subtly colored, silvery to blue-gray with fine dark speckling and less pronounced fin edging. Both sexes share the same peaceful, plankton-picking nature. Choose your preferred sex from the variant selector above.

Specifications

Compatibility

One of the few triggers that generally leaves corals alone, so it can work in a reef tank kept with caution. It will, however, hunt ornamental shrimp, tiny crabs, and other small motile inverts, so plan your cleanup crew accordingly. Pair it with other robust, similarly-sized tank mates such as tangs, larger wrasses, and angelfish. A single male-female pair can be kept together if introduced at the same time. Avoid tiny, timid fish that could be intimidated. Browse compatible saltwater tank mates, including the Purple Tang.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• SFBB Freeze-Dried Mysis Shrimp for a protein-rich staple
• Xtreme Marine Krill Flakes for daily feeding
• Aquaforest AF Liquid Mysis for targeted meaty feedings
• Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake to vary the menu
• Browse all saltwater supplies for tank upkeep

FAQ

Is it really reef safe? It is reef safe with caution. It will not nip corals, but it will eat ornamental shrimp and small crustaceans, so it is best in a reef with a hardy, larger cleanup crew.

How big of a tank does it need? Plan for at least 125 gallons. This is an active, open-water swimmer that reaches 8 to 10 inches and needs room to cruise.

Can I keep two together? A single male-female pair can work if added at the same time. Keeping two males together usually leads to conflict.

What is the difference between the male and female? Males have the bright blue throat and gold-edged fins. Females are more muted, silvery-blue with dark speckling.