Sargassum Triggerfish

(Xanthichthys ringens)

Xanthichthys Triggerfish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work with caves and crevices should be provided for hiding. Triggerfish are known to turnover rocks, rubble, benthic invertebrates and corals. Provide a sand bed with rubble and seashells to turnover while hunting for prey. Triggerfish are carnivores feeding on small fish, starfish, crabs, shrimp, snails and urchins. They are capable of breaking off the spines of urchins and blowing water to turnover urchins and attacking the underside. They are hardy and beautiful but quite aggressive, Triggerfish have even been known to attack divers when to close in the wild. Triggerfish should only be kept with large fish that are not easily harassed. A diet of meaty based foods should be provided. May loose coloration if not adequately fed. Triggerfish should be kept singly or mated pairs as they can be aggressive. Male and females may exhibit color differences.

Sargassum Triggerfish are also sometimes known as the Redtail Triggerfish. Somewhat frequently seen in the aquarium trade. Sargassum Triggerfish are a light gray with dark blue tiny spots and stripes and a red trimmed tail. Sargassum Triggerfish can grow to slightly over 9".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 125 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy CareModerateModerate
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightHighHigh