Gilded Triggerfish

The Gilded Triggerfish is a rare and highly prized member of the Xanthichthys genus, closely related to the popular Crosshatch and Bluechin triggerfish. It features a grayish-blue body with subtle scale patterning and distinctive golden-yellow fins that give the species its common name. Males display more intense golden coloration on the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, while females tend to be more subdued. This deepwater species is rarely encountered in the aquarium trade, making it a coveted prize for dedicated collectors.

Like other members of the Xanthichthys genus, the Gilded Triggerfish is considered reef-safe, a remarkable trait among triggerfish. In the wild, it inhabits deep reef slopes and outer reef walls at depths typically between 60 and 200 feet, where it feeds primarily on zooplankton carried by strong currents. This planktivorous diet means it shows little interest in corals, clams, or ornamental invertebrates in captivity.

The primary challenge with the Gilded Triggerfish is its rarity and the difficulty of acclimating deepwater specimens to aquarium conditions. Newly imported fish may be stressed from decompression and require a quiet, dimly lit quarantine period to adjust. Once acclimated, however, they are hardy and long-lived. A minimum of 180 gallons with strong water flow mimicking their natural deepwater current habitat is recommended.