Fish of the Month: January 2023

We're starting off 2023 with our January Fish of the Month, the Sargassum Triggerfish, Xanthichthys ringens!

Survey Regions:  Sargassum Triggerfish are found throughout the Tropical Western Atlantic survey region. Click here to see a sightings report for this species in the REEF database.

Size: They grow to about 10 inches.

Identifying Features: Sargassum Triggerfish are shades of blue to gray or brown with rows of small dots covering their body. They have a white dot in front of their eye, a white crescent-shaped mark above their eye, and dark lines on their cheeks. They also have a red to orange border on their tail margin.

Fun Facts: Sargassum Triggerfish can found on outer reefs and offshore areas, typically at depths of 80 feet or deeper. In certain areas in the Caribbean, they also inhabit shallow patch reefs. They are carnivorous and feed heavily on zooplankton and crustaceans. Juveniles often drift near the surface in Sargassum mats. 

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month.

Photo by Janna Nichols.