About Xanthichthys ringens (Linnaeus, 1758)
Xanthichthys ringens is a robust, oval-shaped fish that can grow up to 25 cm (9.8 inches) in length. It has three dorsal spines, 26 to 29 soft dorsal rays, and 23 to 27 soft anal rays. Its base body color ranges from light brownish to light blue, with rows of dark spots, one spot per scale, across its flanks. Three distinct silvery-blue grooves run diagonally from below and behind the mouth almost to the operculum. Its caudal fin is pale, with orange-red edging along the top, bottom, and rear margins. The bases of the second dorsal and anal fins, plus the fin membranes of the first dorsal fin, are dark brown. Adult Xanthichthys ringens inhabit tropical marine reefs, found at depths ranging from 0 to 190 meters (0 to 623 feet), though they most commonly occur between 30 and 60 meters (98 to 197 feet). Juveniles live among floating Sargassum, which is the origin of one of this species' common names. These fish live either alone or in small groups, and are counted among the most common fish species in some locations. Their diet consists of crabs, shrimp, sea urchins, and zooplankton.
