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Sargassum triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens) — Balistidae

Sargassum triggerfish

Xanthichthys ringens
Family: Balistidae

The Sargassum triggerfish (Xanthichthys ringens) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
25.0–80.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The sargassum triggerfish is a triggerfish (Balistidae) from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 25 cm and has an oval, grey-blue body with fine lines on the head and yellow lines on the fins. The first dorsal spine can be raised and locked upright, wedging the fish into crevices. As a reef-dweller it swims along steep outer reefs and picks zooplankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sargassum triggerfish?

The Sargassum triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body.

Where does the Sargassum triggerfish live?

The Sargassum triggerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Sargassum triggerfish get?

The Sargassum triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 25 cm.

Is the Sargassum triggerfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Sargassum triggerfish is harmless to humans.

Is the Sargassum triggerfish edible?

Yes, the Sargassum triggerfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sargasso-trekkervis sourced
English name
Sargassum triggerfish sourced
Scientific name
Xanthichthys ringens
Family
Balistidae
Other names
Sargassum triggerfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
25.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Tail shape
Crescent (lunate) inferred
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
25.0 verified
Max depth (m)
80.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Xanthichthys

More from the family Balistidae

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