Blue-jaw Triggerfish (Xanthichthys auromarginatus)

These colorful triggerfishes can be found in the Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, north to the Ryukyus, south to Cocos-Keeling Atoll and New Caledonia.  They populate seaward drop-offs and ledges that are rich with invertebrate growth and enjoy strong currents.  The males (seen above) are slightly larger than females and have the large blue patch along its jaw and a yellow edging to its fins.  Females are generally brown in color and lack the prominent blue patch.  These triggerfish stay fairly small and will reach a maximum size of only 8-10 inches.

They group together in loose schools and prefer to feed on zooplankton and copepods.  We currently have only 3 on exhibit, so you may have to spend some time observing our aquarium before you spot them.