Bursa Triggerfish (Sufflamen Bursa)
Bursa Triggerfish (Sufflamen bursa)
The Bursa Triggerfish, also known as the Lei Triggerfish or Scythe Triggerfish, is a sophisticated and relatively "understated" member of the Balistidae family. Unlike the garish colors of the Clown Trigger, the Bursa features a refined palette of tan, white, and gold, marked by two distinctive scythe-shaped lines behind the eye. It is widely considered one of the least aggressive triggerfishes, making it a favorite for those who want the "trigger personality" without the extreme destruction often associated with the family.
Key Information
-
Common Names: Bursa Trigger, Lei Triggerfish, Scythe Trigger, White-lined Trigger
-
Scientific Name: Sufflamen bursa
-
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to Hawaii)
-
Max Size: 20–25 cm (approx. 8–10 inches)
-
Lifespan: 10–15+ years
-
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; generally the "calmest" of the triggers
-
Diet: Carnivore – Requires a variety of hard-shelled meaty foods
-
Care Level: Easy
Appearance & Identification
The Bursa Trigger is named for its subtle yet beautiful markings:
-
The "Scythe": Features two diagonal, curved yellow-to-brown lines (resembling a scythe or the "Lei" necklace) running from the top of the head down past the pectoral fin.
-
Body Color: A sleek gradient of creamy tan to white, with a dark, almost black patch around the pelvic spine.
-
The "Trigger": Like all triggers, it possesses a locking dorsal spine that it uses to wedge itself into rockwork at night or to defend against predators.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
-
Personality: The Bursa is known for being highly intelligent and curious. It will often follow its owner’s movement outside the glass and can be trained to eat from a clip or even fingers (though be careful of their powerful beak!).
-
Aggression: While still a triggerfish, Sufflamen species are notably more peaceful than Balistoides (Clown) or Pseudobalistes (Titan) species. They rarely hunt tank mates but will defend their "bedroom" cave vigorously.
-
Reef Safe (with Caution): This is not a reef-safe fish. It will not eat corals, but it will decimate your "clean-up crew." It will eat snails, crabs, shrimp, and sea urchins.
-
Tank Mates: Best kept with similarly sized, robust fish such as Tangs, Large Angelfish, and Groupers. Avoid keeping them with small, shy fish like Gobies or Firefish, as they may become expensive snacks.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: A minimum of 285L–380L (75–100 Gallons) is required to provide enough swimming space and territory.
-
Rockwork: Provide large, stable caves. Triggers like to "lock" themselves into a specific hole at night. Ensure the rockwork is secure, as triggers are known to "redecorate" by moving smaller rocks or blowing sand around with jets of water from their mouths.
-
Filtration: Because they are messy eaters, a heavy-duty protein skimmer and strong mechanical filtration are essential to keep nitrate levels in check.
-
Feeding: Feed 2 times daily. Provide a varied diet of shell-on shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, and krill. The hard shells are vital for wearing down their constantly growing teeth.
Why Choose the Bursa Triggerfish?
The Bursa Trigger is the perfect "entry-level" trigger for a medium-to-large FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) system. It offers a unique, architectural beauty and an incredibly interactive personality without the high risk of killing everything in the tank. If you want a fish that acts like a "water dog" and adds a touch of class to your aquarium, the Bursa is a hardy and rewarding choice.
Description
Bursa Triggerfish (Sufflamen bursa)
The Bursa Triggerfish, also known as the Lei Triggerfish or Scythe Triggerfish, is a sophisticated and relatively "understated" member of the Balistidae family. Unlike the garish colors of the Clown Trigger, the Bursa features a refined palette of tan, white, and gold, marked by two distinctive scythe-shaped lines behind the eye. It is widely considered one of the least aggressive triggerfishes, making it a favorite for those who want the "trigger personality" without the extreme destruction often associated with the family.
Key Information
-
Common Names: Bursa Trigger, Lei Triggerfish, Scythe Trigger, White-lined Trigger
-
Scientific Name: Sufflamen bursa
-
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to Hawaii)
-
Max Size: 20–25 cm (approx. 8–10 inches)
-
Lifespan: 10–15+ years
-
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; generally the "calmest" of the triggers
-
Diet: Carnivore – Requires a variety of hard-shelled meaty foods
-
Care Level: Easy
Appearance & Identification
The Bursa Trigger is named for its subtle yet beautiful markings:
-
The "Scythe": Features two diagonal, curved yellow-to-brown lines (resembling a scythe or the "Lei" necklace) running from the top of the head down past the pectoral fin.
-
Body Color: A sleek gradient of creamy tan to white, with a dark, almost black patch around the pelvic spine.
-
The "Trigger": Like all triggers, it possesses a locking dorsal spine that it uses to wedge itself into rockwork at night or to defend against predators.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
-
Personality: The Bursa is known for being highly intelligent and curious. It will often follow its owner’s movement outside the glass and can be trained to eat from a clip or even fingers (though be careful of their powerful beak!).
-
Aggression: While still a triggerfish, Sufflamen species are notably more peaceful than Balistoides (Clown) or Pseudobalistes (Titan) species. They rarely hunt tank mates but will defend their "bedroom" cave vigorously.
-
Reef Safe (with Caution): This is not a reef-safe fish. It will not eat corals, but it will decimate your "clean-up crew." It will eat snails, crabs, shrimp, and sea urchins.
-
Tank Mates: Best kept with similarly sized, robust fish such as Tangs, Large Angelfish, and Groupers. Avoid keeping them with small, shy fish like Gobies or Firefish, as they may become expensive snacks.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: A minimum of 285L–380L (75–100 Gallons) is required to provide enough swimming space and territory.
-
Rockwork: Provide large, stable caves. Triggers like to "lock" themselves into a specific hole at night. Ensure the rockwork is secure, as triggers are known to "redecorate" by moving smaller rocks or blowing sand around with jets of water from their mouths.
-
Filtration: Because they are messy eaters, a heavy-duty protein skimmer and strong mechanical filtration are essential to keep nitrate levels in check.
-
Feeding: Feed 2 times daily. Provide a varied diet of shell-on shrimp, clams, mussels, squid, and krill. The hard shells are vital for wearing down their constantly growing teeth.
Why Choose the Bursa Triggerfish?
The Bursa Trigger is the perfect "entry-level" trigger for a medium-to-large FOWLR (Fish Only With Live Rock) system. It offers a unique, architectural beauty and an incredibly interactive personality without the high risk of killing everything in the tank. If you want a fish that acts like a "water dog" and adds a touch of class to your aquarium, the Bursa is a hardy and rewarding choice.
