Xanthichthys mento

(Jordan & Gilbert, 1882)

Vernacular names
English : Redtail triggerfish
French : Baliste à queue rouge

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Tetraodontiformes
Family : Balistidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification
Grey face, blue cheek lines, body olive-yellow, flanks with each scales edged black, giving a tight net-like pattern. Tail pink-red with blue, red and yellow margins. Broad yellow edge to fins.

Range and habitat
Pacific Ocean, from south Japan to Hawaii, Clipperton and Revillagigedo Islands, south California and Pitcairn Islands. Found around seaward reefs, above drop-offs.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is believed to be threatened in areas where coral reef destruction occur. It is still safe in parts of its range but possible habitat loss needs to be assessed more accurately.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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