Crosshatch Triggerfish, Male

Xanthichthys Triggerfish should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work with caves and crevices should be provided for hiding. Triggerfish are known to turnover rocks, rubble, benthic invertebrates and corals. Provide a sand bed with rubble and seashells to turnover while hunting for prey. Triggerfish are carnivores feeding on small fish, starfish, crabs, shrimp, snails and urchins. They are capable of breaking off the spines of urchins and blowing water to turnover urchins and attacking the underside. They are hardy and beautiful but quite aggressive, Triggerfish have even been known to attack divers when to close in the wild. Triggerfish should only be kept with large fish that are not easily harassed. A diet of meaty based foods should be provided. May loose coloration if not adequately fed. Triggerfish should be kept singly or mated pairs as they can be aggressive. Male and females may exhibit color differences.

Crosshatch Triggerfish are also sometimes known as the Redtail or Blue Cheekline Triggerfish. Somewhat frequently seen in the aquarium trade. The male and female Crosshatch Triggerfish may have different color patterns. As it name suggests both male and females will have a crosshatch design however males will have more intense coloration. Males with have a red tail while females will have a yellow tail. Crosshatch Triggerfish can grow to slightly over 12".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 125 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH