Xanthichthys mento (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882)
Redtail triggerfish
photo by Cox, C.D.

Family:  Balistidae (Triggerfishes)
Max. size:  30 cm NG (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 130 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: antitropical, from southern Japan, Hawaiian Islands, Clipperton Island, Revillagigedo Islands, southern California, Easter Island, and Pitcairn Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29-32; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 26-29. Males are straw-yellow with each scale outlined in black creating a crosshatched appearance, and a red tail with neon submarginal blue band. Females are also crosshatched, but with a slate gray to blue ground color and tail.
Biology:  Found mainly around oceanic islands and near reefs along the continental coasts (Ref. 9276). Found in schools in seaward reefs above drop-offs (Ref. 9710). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feeds on zooplanktons (Ref. 89972).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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