Clown Triggerfish tank mates

✓ Compatible (good tank mates)

These species coexist well with the Clown Triggerfish in an appropriately-sized tank.

• ✓
  Other large semi-aggressive species - Tangs, eels, larger angels
• ✓
  Lionfish - Both can defend themselves
• ✓
  Large eels - Similar predator class

⚠ Caution (compatible with management)

Workable pairings if the tank is large enough or the introduction is staged correctly.

• ⚠
  Other triggerfish - Conspecific + similar shape aggression
• ⚠
  Smaller tangs - Bullied at clown trigger adult size (15+ inches)
• ⚠
  Wrasses - Some get attacked

✕ Avoid (incompatible tank mates)

Don't combine these with the Clown Triggerfish. Outcome is usually death of one species or chronic stress.

• ✕
  Most reef-safe community fish - Clown triggers eat everything they can fit in their mouth
• ✕
  Coral and inverts - Not reef-safe - eats them
• ✕
  Smaller clownfish, cardinalfish, gobies - Eaten

Stocking notes

Clown triggers are NOT reef-safe. They reach 20 inches in the wild and become extremely aggressive at adult size. Best kept in a FOWLR (fish-only with live rock) tank with similarly-sized aggressive species. Solo specimens often bond with their owner and become pets.

Related compatibility guides

• Red Lionfish tank mates →
• Orange-Lined Triggerfish tank mates →
• Queen Angelfish tank mates →