NaH2O
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This installment of FOTW is going to be on the Sargassum Triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens).
The Sargassum Trigger reaches a maximum size of approximately 25 cm/9.8 inches, and is from a reef associated environment. It can be found in the Western Atlantic. Scott Michael's book references the range being Indo-Pacific, however, all other sources I found reference the Western Atlantic.
The Sargassum Trigger has three prominent diagonal grooves running from below and behind mouth nearly to the gill opening. It has light brownish gray coloration with rows of dark brown spots on body. The grooves on its head being dark brown, and the caudal fin is pale with orange-red upper and lower borders and a large orange-red crescent on the posterior most portion.
This species inhabits seaward reef slopes, usually well below 30 m, where in some places they are among the most common fish. The young live among floating Sargassum. They live solitary or in small groups, and feed on crabs and sea urchins.
The Sargassum Trigger can be kept in small groups in large aquariums. Once acclimated, the Sargassum Trigger may pick on smaller fish, however, the aggression is more likely in a smaller tank when hiding spots are limited. This species enjoys strong water movement and a lot of swimming space. It is sometimes observed swimming into the current of tanks, and pacing in tanks where the current is low. It is not a great threat to equipment, and rarely rearranges decor. This species of triggers can be kept in a reef aquarium. It usually will ignore sessile invertebrates, but as it grows larger, this trigger may eat ornamental shrimp. Feed a mixed diet of meaty foods, including clams, squid, shrimp, and also frozen vitamin enriched foods with marine algae.
This photo I took from Hooked's tank:
Photo courtesy of ©John Randall
The Sargassum Trigger reaches a maximum size of approximately 25 cm/9.8 inches, and is from a reef associated environment. It can be found in the Western Atlantic. Scott Michael's book references the range being Indo-Pacific, however, all other sources I found reference the Western Atlantic.
The Sargassum Trigger has three prominent diagonal grooves running from below and behind mouth nearly to the gill opening. It has light brownish gray coloration with rows of dark brown spots on body. The grooves on its head being dark brown, and the caudal fin is pale with orange-red upper and lower borders and a large orange-red crescent on the posterior most portion.
This species inhabits seaward reef slopes, usually well below 30 m, where in some places they are among the most common fish. The young live among floating Sargassum. They live solitary or in small groups, and feed on crabs and sea urchins.
The Sargassum Trigger can be kept in small groups in large aquariums. Once acclimated, the Sargassum Trigger may pick on smaller fish, however, the aggression is more likely in a smaller tank when hiding spots are limited. This species enjoys strong water movement and a lot of swimming space. It is sometimes observed swimming into the current of tanks, and pacing in tanks where the current is low. It is not a great threat to equipment, and rarely rearranges decor. This species of triggers can be kept in a reef aquarium. It usually will ignore sessile invertebrates, but as it grows larger, this trigger may eat ornamental shrimp. Feed a mixed diet of meaty foods, including clams, squid, shrimp, and also frozen vitamin enriched foods with marine algae.
This photo I took from Hooked's tank:
Photo courtesy of ©John Randall
