Crosshatch triggerfish (Xanthichthys mento)

Uromastyx · Apr 4, 2023

Hi All
I was wondering if members have begun to see these fish again in the trade in the states?
mom assuming covid and the Hawaii ban may have affected collection, but curious to know if any have made a comeback? I’m down in Australia and always dreamed of this trigger in my reef tank!

Cheese Griller · Apr 4, 2023

Haven't seen any available in years. It was my understanding that they only came in through hawaii so we likely won't be seeing any for a while.

Biff0rz · Apr 4, 2023

I've seen a few go for sale (quickly) on facebook, supply is super limited and $$$

vetteguy53081 · Apr 4, 2023

Havent seen any the last few months and am seeing now $800-$2000 for one. I remember 2 years ago, a local LFS having a mated pair for $600

Biff0rz · Apr 5, 2023

Also, are you sure you want them? I wanted them, then realized I didn't. Most will arrive 7"+ as you won't know you have a male unless it's that size. Anything smaller and you risk getting two females which don't have as vivid of coloring. Two 7" fish need a BIG tank, especially these guys as they like room to swim.

Harpo · Apr 5, 2023

I had a pair that I had to sell years ago. I would love to get another pair but apparently, I need to win the lottery first.

Uromastyx · Apr 10, 2023

Biff0rz said:
Also, are you sure you want them? I wanted them, then realized I didn't. Most will arrive 7"+ as you won't know you have a male unless it's that size. Anything smaller and you risk getting two females which don't have as vivid of coloring. Two 7" fish need a BIG tank, especially these guys as they like room to swim.

Yes wow, that’s always a surprise isn’t! I doubt I’d ever see any in Australia in the coming years but good to know if they are at least available for you guys.
thanks for the replies guys.

drtechno · Apr 11, 2023

Uromastyx said:
Yes wow, that’s always a surprise isn’t! I doubt I’d ever see any in Australia in the coming years but good to know if they are at least available for you guys.
thanks for the replies guys.

Just to be clear - they are NOT available to anyone. They are collected from Hawaii and impacted by the collection ban. Therefore, we will likely not see them again until someone finds a new source. I know because I have tried to source one.
Any crosshatches that people have are from other collectors tanks, or fish that have been in captivity for a while. Unless someone knows someone illegally collecting/smuggling these.

reeferee · May 23, 2023

I have a pair for sale that i have had for 2 years. I will sell the pair for $10k. You can text me at 203-249-0442. Thanks, Max

drtechno said:
Just to be clear - they are NOT available to anyone. They are collected from Hawaii and impacted by the collection ban. Therefore, we will likely not see them again until someone finds a new source. I know because I have tried to source one.
Any crosshatches that people have are from other collectors tanks, or fish that have been in captivity for a while. Unless someone knows someone illegally collecting/smuggling these.