Crosshatch Trigger
Xanthichthys mento
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | No |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Planktivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 180 gallons |
| Max Size | 12 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Crosshatch Trigger (Xanthichthys mento) is a Pacific triggerfish with a yellow body marked by fine dark crosshatch lines, blue cheek striping, and a red tail. In a large reef display, it spends time cruising the open water and weaving through rockwork, with a “pet fish” style presence that learns your routine.
What You’ll Observe:
- Steady, open-water swimming with frequent loops through caves
- Quick, direct approaches at feeding time, especially with small meaty foods
- “Grunting”/vocalizing, particularly when interacting with the tank or keeper
- Occasional moving of small rocks or shells as it explores rockwork
Provide secure rock structures with multiple caves and swim-throughs so it can settle in and pick a consistent resting spot. Offer a varied mix of small meaty foods in several feedings, and include tougher items (like foods on the half shell) as part of a rotating diet. It does best with confident tankmates and a layout that gives everyone room to keep their own lanes.
Do Crosshatch Triggers do better solo, or as a male/female pair?
Many hobbyists keep a single specimen successfully, but bonded male/female pairs are also commonly kept when added carefully and given time to settle into a shared routine.
Why does a Crosshatch Trigger “grunt” or make clicking sounds?
Vocalizing is a normal triggerfish behavior and often shows up during feeding interactions or when the fish is engaging with its surroundings.
Will a Crosshatch Trigger rearrange my aquascape?
It’s common for them to test caves and swim-throughs and occasionally shift small pieces, so stable, well-locked rockwork helps the tank stay consistent long-term.
How do I get a new Crosshatch Trigger to start eating reliably?
Most start best with smaller, scent-rich frozen foods offered in short, repeat feedings; once settled, many transition onto pellets and “on-shell” offerings as part of a rotation.
Do they recognize their owner or learn hand-feeding routines?
Many triggers quickly associate a person with food and will meet you at the glass; with consistent feeding cues, they often become very interactive without needing direct hand-feeding.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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