Striped Triggerfish

Xanthichthys lineopunctatus

The striped triggerfish (Xanthichthys lineopunctatus) is a species of triggerfish in the family Balistidae. Adults reach up to 30 cm in length and display a grayish to brownish body covered with distinctive rows of small spots arranged in horizontal lines. Males may develop a brighter yellowish hue on the lower body and tail margins. This species inhabits outer reef slopes, steep drop-offs, and current-swept channels at depths of 15-100 meters across the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and the Red Sea to the western Pacific. Unlike many triggerfish that are territorial and aggressive, the striped triggerfish is generally shy and retreats when approached. They feed on zooplankton in the water column, often hovering above the reef. Their preference for deep outer reef habitats and elusive nature make them a special sighting for experienced divers.