Blunthead Triggerfish

About

The blunthead triggerfish (Pseudobalistes naufragium), also called the stone triggerfish, is one of the largest triggers you'll encounter in the hobby, capable of reaching well over two feet as an adult. It ranges across the Eastern Pacific from Baja California down through Ecuador, and there are records of it appearing as far south as Peru and Chile. In the wild it inhabits shallow reefs and sandy flats, where it uses a clever hunting technique. Blowing jets of water into the sand to expose hidden prey, or flipping sea urchins over to get at their vulnerable undersides. The diet in captivity reflects that natural opportunism, covering crustaceans, mollusks, and meaty foods generally. Personality-wise, this species runs against the aggressive trigger stereotype. It tends to be relatively calm and noticeably curious, often showing real interest in its surroundings and the people near the tank. That said, the sheer size it reaches makes housing a serious commitment, and its powerful jaws mean tankmates and decorations alike need careful consideration. This is a species for a dedicated fishkeeper with a very large, purpose-built system rather than a community reef setup.