Xanthichthys ringens

Xanthichthys ringens, the Sargassum or redtail triggerfish, is a species of triggerfish

Sargassum triggerfish
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Tetraodontiformes
Family:	Balistidae
Genus:	Xanthichthys
Species:	X. ringens
Binomial name
Xanthichthys ringens (Linnaeus, 1758)

Range: Western Atlantic: from South Carolina, through Gulf of Mexico to Lesser Antilles and Brazil

Habitat: Tropical marine reefs at depths of 25 to 80 meters (82 to 262.5 ft)

Description and traits:

size: Reaching a size of 25cm (9.8 in).

Fin rays: Dorsal spines: 3. Dorsal soft rays: 26-29. Anal soft rays: 23 - 27.

Colors and patterns: Three silvery-blue prominent diagonal grooves from below and behind mouth running nearly to gill opening; light brownish gray to a light blue with rows of dark spots on body; caudal (tail) fin pale with orange-red margins and a large orange-red crescent at the end of the tail.

Biology and Behavior:

Inhabits seaward reef slopes, usually well below 30 m, where in some places they are among the most common fish, solitary or in small groups. Spawns in deep water young live among floating Sargassum.

Diet: Feeds on crabs, shrimp, sea urchins and zooplankton.

Human use: Makes its way into the aquarium trade