blue cheek trigger in reef tank?

[bprewit]

Well havent had the corals in for very long and so far so good. I was wondering if anyone else has tried this fish? Triggers are generally bad bad but (and this is only what I have read from different books, web sites) the blue jaw is suppsoed to be right up there with niger trigger as far as being reef safe. I cant keep any kind of decorative shrimps or crabs but so far the trigger has been good with the corals. I know that this can change overnight though. I will be upgrading the tank next year, right now only 55g tank with two fish- the blue cheek and a volitan lion. Anyone else had good or bad luck with em or with niger trigger?

[MikeP]

If we are thinking of the same fish (most of the triggers in the Xanthicthys genus) they are generally fairly safe with corals but small fish and crustaceans are always a crapshoot. These triggers are primarliy planktivores in nature as evidenced by their upturned mouth structure. If you are adding them to a tank you would do well to add them last, after any smaller fish or crustaceans. Since you planned on keeping this with a lion I am guessing this is not going to be an issue. Also all triggers even the 'reef safe' ones can be nippy towards you the owner - they will quickly associate you with food and this can include your hand and fingers! They have a sharp bite so be warned.

[Ed]

I have both a Blue throat and a Niger in my reef tank. Very interesting fish. Both have been there for more than a year w/o incident. Very aggressive eaters so watch your hand and fingers as Mike said. Haven't ever been bitten (knock on wood) but I know it is always a possibility.