Xanthichthys sp. “dorsopunctatus” is an unusual triggerfish species which we have been researching for the better part of a year and half since we first encountered a specimen at a House of Fins in Greenwich CT. Last week Quality Marine posted that they had a specimen of this fish which so far is only being collected from Christmas Island. Although QM states that this is the first one they’ve seen in 5 years, their specimen is actually the 5fth that we have documented over the last 15 months. Last year Richard Pyle wrote an article about some deep diving he and Brian Greene did around Christmas Island, precisely where this new triggerfish is being collected. During their Xmas Island diving they captured a specimen of triggerfish (pictured at right) like the one in question and they called it a new species. Like some other aquarist, we first believed this fish to be a hybrid cross involving at least Xanthichthys lineopunctatus or the female thereof, but If Pyle and Greene say this is a new species then we’ll take the ichthyologist’s word for it. Moreover, if this fish was a hybrid we would expect to see a lot more variation in it’s appearance and a whole lot more intermediates of color and pattern. So far the 5 specimens we have seen have been very consistent in appearance which leads us to agree with Pyle and Greene that this fish is indeed a new species. We have taken the liberty of giving this fish the provisional name of X. sp. “dorsopunctatus” because the pattern of spots on the top of the body is the most notable feature of this species and it is very possible that this is the latin name that will be used to describe this species. Huge thanks to Rob Mougey for discussing at length this fish with us, including a specimen that lives in his collection. Follow the break for a video of the new Xanthichthys triggerfish species from Christmas Island.
White Tip Triggerfish
(Sufflaman chrysopterus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Lighting: Moderate
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 10″
Color Form: Black, Blue, Tan, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Balistidae
Swim Level: All
The White Tip Triggerfish, also known as the Halfmoon Triggerfish, or Whitetail Triggerfish, has a brownish-black body with a blue underbelly. Yellow highlights the operculum and caudal fin (tail), which has a white tip.
A 125 gallon or larger aquarium with rocks and caves provides a good habitat, although it may rearrange the landscaping and rocks to its liking. It vocalizes using a “grunting” sound.
The White Tip Triggerfish needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Queen Triggerfish
(Balistes vetula)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 2′
Color Form: Blue, Green, Purple, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Balistidae
Swim Level: All
The Queen Triggerfish comes from the reefs of the Caribbean Ocean, and is a very striking fish that will add a new dimension of color and shape to the large marine fish only aquarium. They are triangularly shaped, and are mostly yellow and green, with an interesting pattern of lines circling their eyes. Their fins are blue to purple in color and the tail is forked.
A 180-gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing is suitable for this species. It will rearrange the landscaping and rocks as it wanders in and out of the caves. These triggerfish are not safe for the reef aquarium, and will eat any crustacean in the aquarium. They are one of the more aggressive fish that should be added last to your collection.
The Queen Triggerfish needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Hawaiian Black Triggerfish
(Melichthys niger)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Lighting: Moderate
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 10″
Color Form: Black, Tan, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Hawaii
Family: Balistidae
Swim Level: All
The Hawaiian Black Triggerfish, also known as the Indian Triggerfish, or Black-Finned Triggerfish, has a brown body and black fins with white lines at the base of the dorsal and anal fins.
A 90 gallon or larger aquarium with rocks and caves provides a good habitat for the Hawaiian Black Triggerfish, however, it will tend to rearrange the landscaping and rocks.
The Hawaiian Black Triggerfish needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Blue Throat Triggerfish
(Xanthichthys auromarginatus)
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
Max. Size: 9″
Color Form: Black, Blue, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Hawaii
Family: Balistidae
Swim Level: All
The Blue Throat Triggerfish, also known as Bluechin Triggerfish, or Gilded Triggerfish, is grayish-brown, covered with light-blue spots. The fins are edged in yellow. The male of the species has a darker blue area on the cheeks, hence the name Bluechin or Blue Throat.
A 70 gallon or larger aquarium with rocks and caves provides a good environment. The Blue Throat will rearrange the landscaping and rocks. It is said to “talk,” which is actually a grunting sound.
The Blue Throat Triggerfish needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Last year Richard Pyle wrote an article about some deep diving he and Brian Greene did around Christmas Island, precisely where this new triggerfish is being collected. During their Xmas Island diving they captured a specimen of triggerfish (pictured at right) like the one in question and they called it a new species. Like some other aquarist, we first believed this fish to be a hybrid cross involving at least Xanthichthys lineopunctatus or the female thereof, but If Pyle and Greene say this is a new species then we’ll take the ichthyologist’s word for it. Moreover, if this fish was a hybrid we would expect to see a lot more variation in it’s appearance and a whole lot more intermediates of color and pattern. So far the 5 specimens we have seen have been very consistent in appearance which leads us to agree with Pyle and Greene that this fish is indeed a new species. We have taken the liberty of giving this fish the provisional name of X. sp. “dorsopunctatus” because the pattern of spots on the top of the body is the most notable feature of this species and it is very possible that this is the latin name that will be used to describe this species. Huge thanks to Rob Mougey for discussing at length this fish with us, including a specimen that lives in his collection. Follow the break for a video of the new Xanthichthys triggerfish species from Christmas Island.
