Sargassum Triggerfish

Not often available, this is a one of the least aggressive of the triggerfishes, and one of the few triggers that can be kept in the reef aquarium. It will not bother corals and usually ignore sessile invertebrates. It can be kept with moderately-aggressive tankmates and can even be kept in groups in extra large aquariums. This trigger rarely bothers its tankmates. Like many triggers, it is often shy when first added to the aquarium, but becomes bolder as it learns to associate its caretaker with food. It prefers lots of open swimming space and brisk water movement. Juveniles associate with rafts of Sargassum weed (hence the common name). Also known as Red Tailed Triggerfish (large males have some red on the edge of the tail.)

Latin Name: Xanthicthys ringens

Common Name: Sargassum Triggerfish

Also known as: Red Tailed Triggerfish

Origin: Tropical Western Atlantic

Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 Gallon

Diet and Feeding: Feed a varied diet of meaty foods. Also include frozen preparations for herbivores. Feed young individuals several times a day.

Difficulty: 5 (5=Easy 1=Difficult)

Reef Compatibility: One of the few triggers for the reef aquarium. It will not bother corals and usually ignore sessile invertebrates.

Related Fish: Bluejaw Trigger, Crosshatch Trigger, Goldenback Trigger