Product Description
The Bursa Triggerfish (often Sufflamen bursa or Rhinecanthus verrucosus) is an active, aggressive, Indo-Pacific reef fish known as the Lei, Scythe, or Boomerang Trigger, characterized by its unique markings that change with mood, requiring large tanks (125+ gallons), meaty foods to wear down teeth, and sturdy decor. It's a hardy but nippy carnivore, best kept with similarly tough tank mates in a Fish-Only setup due to its diet of crustaceans and small fish.
Identification & Names
Scientific Names: Sufflamen bursa (Lei/Boomerang Trigger) and Rhinecanthus verrucosus (Blackbelly Trigger) are often both called Bursa Triggerfish.
Common Names: Boomerang, Lei, Scythe, Blackbelly, Black Patch.
Appearance: Varies slightly, but generally has a compressed body, protruding snout, distinctive lines/markings (like a lei or mask), and often a black spot on the abdomen.
Aquarium Care
Tank Size: Minimum 125 gallons for adults; larger is better.
Tank Setup: Needs plenty of live rock with caves and hiding spots; they rearrange rockwork.
Temperament: Aggressive, semi-aggressive; will nip tank mates and anything else that moves (nipping hands is a risk).
Reef Compatibility: Not fully reef safe; eats small fish, shrimp, crabs, and potentially corals.
Diet: Carnivorous; varied diet of meaty foods (shrimp, clams, squid, krill) to keep teeth worn down.
Behavior & Ecology
Defense: Uses a locking dorsal spine to wedge into crevices against predators.
Vocalization: Makes grunting sounds.
Habitat: Found in reef flats, lagoons, and shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific.
