Crosshatch Triggerfish
Xanthichthys mento
Also known as: Blue Cheekline Triggerfish, Bluethroat Trigger, Bluethroat Triggerfish, Cross-hatched Trigger, Cross-hatched Triggerfish, Peachface Triggerfish, Pinecone Triggerfish, Redtail Triggerfish, Red-tailed Triggerfish
- Blue Cheekline Triggerfish
- Bluethroat Trigger
- Bluethroat Triggerfish
- Cross-hatched Trigger
- Cross-hatched Triggerfish
- Peachface Triggerfish
- Pinecone Triggerfish
- Redtail Triggerfish
- Red-tailed Triggerfish
Overview
Found in schools, around drop-offs, of seaward reefs, and around oceanic islands.
Triggerfish have a hard spine Dorsal Fin that can be locked.
When sleeping this spine is used to wedge them into place in a crevasse and so deter predators from pulling them out of their bed!
The spine is also held erect as a warning to other fish to stay away.
Several large Titans blow shallow depressions in the sand for nesting and if approached will raise this spine as a warning, if ignored they may charge, even divers! especially the Titan Triggerfish who will take a tasty bite. Beware.
How to identify
- Pattern
- hatched lineslines
- Fins & Tail
- pink tail
- Behaviour
- schoolingsleeps in sand or crevices
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Western Pacific
- Country only · 1
Found in schools, around drop-offs, of seaward reefs, and around oceanic islands.
Adult photos 1
Discussion
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Deep dive
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