White Tail Triggerfish: The Red Sea Powerhouse

The White Tail Triggerfish (Sufflamen albicaudatus), also commonly known as the Bluethroat Triggerfish, is a striking and robust member of the triggerfish family native to the Western Indian Ocean, particularly the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. It is recognizable by its dark, often brownish-grey body, a prominent blue or purple wash on the throat/chest area, and most distinctively, a large white or pale tail (caudal fin) that contrasts sharply with its body color.

This species is a smaller triggerfish compared to some of its notorious cousins, reaching a maximum size of approximately 8.5 to 9 inches (22 cm), though some aquarium reports suggest up to 12 inches for the genus. It is highly active, territorial, and possesses the characteristic powerful jaws and sharp teeth of all triggerfish, which it uses to crush shelled prey.

Due to its high activity level, powerful feeding habits, and large bioload, the White Tail Triggerfish requires a minimum aquarium size of 120 gallons, with larger being strongly recommended, especially for adult specimens. It is strictly a fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) inhabitant and is only suitable for aggressive or semi-aggressive communities.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The White Tail Triggerfish is a dedicated and voracious Carnivore. Its diet in the wild consists of various hard-shelled invertebrates like crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and sea urchins.
• Feeding: In the aquarium, it must be fed a highly varied diet of meaty foods to maintain health and prevent its continually growing teeth from overgrowing. Offer hard-shelled foods regularly, such as frozen whole shrimp (shell on), mussels, clams, and krill. Supplement this with high-quality frozen fish flesh and commercial marine pellets. Feed 1-2 times daily.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Not Reef Safe. Its natural feeding behavior involves rooting through substrate and crushing hard-shelled prey. It will systematically destroy and eat all ornamental invertebrates (shrimp, crabs, snails, clams, urchins) and may also rearrange live rock.
• Temperament: It is Aggressive / Territorial. While it is one of the more moderately tempered triggerfish, it is still aggressive. It should only be housed with large, robust, and fast-moving tankmates that can defend themselves. Suitable companions include large tangs, groupers, aggressive wrasses, and puffers. Avoid housing with passive, small, or long-finned fish, as they will be harassed or consumed.
• Aquarium Setup: Ensure all live rock is highly stable and secured, as triggerfish are known to move décor. A secure, heavy lid is mandatory as they are powerful jumpers.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Sufflamen albicaudatus
• Primary Common Name: White Tail Triggerfish
• Other Common Names: Bluethroat Triggerfish, Halfmoon Trigger (sometimes confused with S. chrysopterum)
• Origin: Western Indian Ocean (Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea)
• Max Size: 8.5–9 inches (22 cm)
• Temperament: Aggressive / Territorial
• Diet: Carnivore (Requires hard-shelled foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 120+ Gallons (150+ recommended)
• Reef Compatibility: No (Will destroy and eat invertebrates)