Redtail Triggerfish - Belize

Xanthichthys ringens

Triggerfish are very unique in appearance and behaviors. They are most commonly known for being aggressive, however, there are some species that are considered only semi-aggressive. Do not house with smaller or timid fish or they can become a snack. Aggression can be amplified in smaller tanks. Since they like to pick on smaller sessile invertebrates, they are not considered reef safe. To make the Triggerfish feel at home make sure the rockwork has ample hiding places and is sturdy. For continued health provide a varied diet of meaty foods, multiple times a day. Since they have teeth, Triggerfish need to be fed foods with a shell to keep them from overgrowing. Cautionary note, since all Triggerfish have these sharp teeth and may bite when they feel threatened. A good time to work in aquariums that have Triggerfish in them is after feeding. The Redtail Triggerfish is known to make grunting sounds and can grow to be about 10 inches in size. They inhabit seaward reef slopes in the Western Atlantic up to 30 meters deep.