Sargassum Triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens)
Sargassum Triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Red Tail Triggerfish which is also occasionally applied to the Crosshatch Triggerfish (Xanthichthys mento), is found in the Western Atlantic from South Carolina, through the Gulf of Mexico to Lesser Antilles and Brazil.
Adult Sargassum Triggerfish are normally found alone or in small groups along floating sargassum and most often along the seaward reef slopes of their range at depths from 80 to over 260 feet where they can be seen feeding on crabs, shrimp, sea urchins, and zooplankton.
Juveniles Sargassum Triggerfish are frequently found hiding among clumps of floating Sargassum where they reside until fully developed, hence their common name.
Sargassum Triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens)
Sargassum Triggerfish have a light brownish gray to blue body color with rows of dark brown spots along the sides. They have three diagonal silvery blue to brown colored grooves on the face that start just behind and below the mouth and run almost to the gill openings. The pale caudal fin is bordered orange/red, and a large orange/red crescent edges the end of the tail. The dorsal and anal fins are also bordered an orange/red. Females are more drab in color.
Sargassum Triggerfish are a reef friendly species that require a large established FOWLR or reef tank of at least 125 gallon capacity with a sandy or coraline substrate with rubble and seashells and plenty of live rock arranged into caves, crevices and overhangs for them to hide among. Like all triggerfish, they need plenty of free swimming space.
Although Sargassum Triggerfish are considered reef safe, they will turn over rocks, rubble, benthic invertebrates, and corals in search of prey. Although Sessile invertebrates are largely ignored, they should definitely not be housed with crustaceans, especially ornamental shrimp. Providing a deep sand bed mixed with rubble and seashells for them to turnover while foraging keeps them occupied.
Red Tail Triggerfish can be housed singly or in pairs however, they should only be kept with larger fish that are not easily harassed.
Like all triggerfish, Xanthichthys ringens requires stable water conditions and a varied diet to thrive. An excellent protein skimmer and/or a wet dry filtration system along with a wave system to maintain water quality and movement is highly recommended. Because this species is commonly found at deeper depths, water temperature should be kept below 80°F.
Sargassum Triggerfish have not been bred in an aquarium environment.
Red Tail Triggerfish are carnivores that prey on small fish, starfish, crabs, shrimp, snails and sea urchins. In an aquarium environment they do well on meaty diets that include krill, shrimp, squid, and scallops. They will accept pellet and flake foods. Feeding Sargassum Triggerfish small portions two to three times a day is recommended.
Sargassum Triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens) are seasonally available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of online suppliers and specialty fish shops at reasonable prices that vary according to size. This species is available captive bred.
Sargassum Triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens)
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8 – 12°, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max size: 9.8″
Color Form: Tan, Red, Blue
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef with Caution
Origin: Western Atlantic
Family: Balistidae
Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
