Sargassum Triggerfish

Xanthichthys ringens is a species of triggerfish from the Western Atlantic, ranging from North Carolina (USA) to Brazil. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade.

Description

It grows to a size of 25 centimetres (9.8 in) in length. Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26-29; Anal soft rays: 23 - 27. Three prominent diagonal grooves running from below and behind mouth nearly to gill opening; light brownish gray to blue with rows of dark brown spots on body; grooves on head dark brown; caudal fin pale with orange-red upper and lower borders and a large orange-red crescent posteriorly.

Distribution

Western Atlantic: North Carolina, USA and Bermuda to Brazil.

Habitat

Inhabits seaward reef slopes, usually well below 30 m, where in some places they are among the most common fish. Young live among floating Sargassum. Solitary or in small groups. Feeds on crabs and sea urchins. Spawns in deep water.