Sargassum Triggerfish

The Sargassum Triggerfish is a member of the Xanthichthys genus, a group of triggerfish known for being significantly less aggressive and more reef-compatible than their relatives. The body is a grayish-brown to olive color with distinctive lines of small dark spots running along the scale rows. Males develop attractive red-orange edging on the tail fin and possess a deeper body than females. A prominent groove runs along each cheek, and the overall body shape is more elongated and streamlined than most other triggerfish.

In the wild, the Sargassum Triggerfish is a mid-water planktivore found in the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, often associated with offshore reefs, drop-offs, and current-swept areas. Unlike most triggerfish that spend their time near the bottom raking through substrate, Xanthichthys species swim in the water column feeding on zooplankton, making them far less destructive in an aquarium setting. This mid-water feeding behavior also means they are less likely to disturb rockwork and substrate.

The Sargassum Triggerfish is one of the best triggerfish choices for aquarists seeking triggerfish personality without the extreme aggression typical of the family. While not as boldly colored as some of its relatives, it is a hardy, interesting, and relatively well-behaved species that can be kept with a wider range of tankmates. It can even be cautiously housed in reef aquariums, though it may still eat small ornamental shrimp and crustaceans. Its moderate size and planktivorous diet make it far more manageable than larger, more aggressive species.