Sargassum Triggerfish

F

fittiger

New member
Why are these so seldom seen? I've been looking for a small specimen (2-3") for over 2 years and have yet to find one. In fact, I think I've only come across 3 or 4 larger ones in that time frame.

Anyone have suggestion where I might find some luck or a contact?
 
I've yet to see a small Xanthichthys trigger. However, they rarely show up at fish stores because they're considered less attractive and more expensive than most other triggers - and most lfs owners and reefers refuse to believe that any trigger is really "reef-safe."
 
They're an Atlantic fish, so there's no cyanide collection, which makes them pricier. And to be honest, not a totally real popular Atlantic fish either. But just look at say a porkfish. These guys are everywhere in the Atlantic and are some of the hardiest fish you can buy, but when's the last time you've seen one at the LFS?

When the LFS sees, 'hmmm, 20 Humus for 50¢ each, or A Sargussum for $10, which do you think they're going to pick?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12710124#post12710124 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AquaKnight407
They're an Atlantic fish, so there's no cyanide collection, which makes them pricier. And to be honest, not a totally real popular Atlantic fish either. But just look at say a porkfish. These guys are everywhere in the Atlantic and are some of the hardiest fish you can buy, but when's the last time you've seen one at the LFS?
Click to expand...

I don't quite get this. I understand they are Atlantic and not cyanide caught, but shouldn't this make them more desirable. At least no less than the Blue Throat out of Hawaii, which IMO, is much less attractive.

When the LFS sees, 'hmmm, 20 Humus for 50¢ each, or A Sargussum for $10, which do you think they're going to pick?
Click to expand...

Well I don't expect much out of my local LFS when it comes to exotic or difficult find fish. They just tend to carry the same types over and over...bread and butter if you will. I have looked at various online vendors with no luck there either.
 
Well, their limit-ness coupled with the demand for them makes them hard to find. Just look at Divers Den. It used to be you were lucky if a Sargassum stayed on there for more then an hour. I would get the email update, go to the page and they'd be gone already.

I think it might have to be with the distributors. They are really just the middlemen to the suppliers and your LFS. I bet a lot of them really don't have much/any contacts with people collecting from the Atlantic. Just happen to randomly get a call with people trying to sell fish.

FWIW, I doubt most of the Blue-throats are out of Hawaii. They range across the entire pacific, so if you happen to see a Blue Throat for under $50, definitely an Indo.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12710227#post12710227 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fittiger
I don't quite get this. I understand they are Atlantic and not cyanide caught, but shouldn't this make them more desirable. At least no less than the Blue Throat out of Hawaii, which IMO, is much less attractive.



Well I don't expect much out of my local LFS when it comes to exotic or difficult find fish. They just tend to carry the same types over and over...bread and butter if you will. I have looked at various online vendors with no luck there either.
Click to expand...
I have the same issue - the only time I've ever seen either at my lfs was when they got an owner turn-in.
 
Are there any major import centers in FL? Miami/Orlando/Tampa.....and maybe a well respected online vendor, or LFS that would ship, in that area that I could contact to pick up a specimen for me?
 
i have a 3 incher that was even smaller when i got it. Very lucky find at my lfs. They have one now, but its about 5". They usually have 1 or 2 in send me a pm i'll give u details my lfs will ship to you.
 
Get on the wait list at Bluezooaquatics.com, that is where I got mine....He was about 3 inchs, they are wonderful fish, and agree with what Aquaknight said about availability.....Here is mine. He is about 3 1/2 inch now.

<a href="http://s286.photobucket.com/albums/ll101/ksrobey/?action=view&current=IMG_0176.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll101/ksrobey/IMG_0176.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12716752#post12716752 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kirkaz
Get on the wait list at Bluezooaquatics.com, that is where I got mine....He was about 3 inchs, they are wonderful fish, and agree with what Aquaknight said about availability.....Here is mine. He is about 3 1/2 inch now.

<a href="http://s286.photobucket.com/albums/ll101/ksrobey/?action=view&current=IMG_0176.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll101/ksrobey/IMG_0176.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Click to expand...
Looks nice...how long have you had it?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12717070#post12717070 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fittiger
Looks nice...how long have you had it?
Click to expand...

3 months now, he is getting prettier as he gets bigger, eats anything (except seaweed thus far) and has shown very little aggression other than occasionally chasing the smaller Redtooth (Niger).

Updated pic.
IMG_0450.jpg
 
One of my good friends is a vendor and it took him almost 6 months of teasers, and "should be getting one soon", from vendors. All of a sudden he called me, and said, got one, if you want it, I need to call right now or it's gone!

They are a hot commodity when available. As to the exact, WHY?, I have no idea.

IMG_4271.jpg
 
From what I understand they are seasonal...they are in waters too deep to capture for much of the year, but come summertime can be found a bit easier. I bought mine this time last year, a bunch of LFS had them, and then no others, until last week I saw one again.
 
Well I just lost my sargassum. I had him probably 4 years. My 10 year old zebra moray killed him on accident while trying to get his food. So now I am on the hunt again for one. It took me forever to find one the first time.

Here are some old pictures.

62379sargassum2.jpg


62379triggers1.jpg
 
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