Care
The Kiri Triggerfish is a relatively recent discovery, and was formally described in 2013. This small triggerfish is known only from Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in the Line Islands chain in the Central Pacific. These islands are an expansive collection of breathtakingly beautiful low-lying atolls with partially or fully enclosed lagoons and coral islands with surrounding reefs. At Kiritimati, this triggerfish has been most frequently observed inhabiting a fairly deep zone between 90-100m (296-328ft), below a significant thermocline at around 85m (279ft). The water in the area above the thermocline measured 25-28 °C (typical reef temperatures), and was 20-22 °C below. No X. greenei were observed above the thermocline, but it proved to be a common species in the region below. The habitat itself consists of a gently sloping hard substratum with patches of rocks, coral rubble, and small boltholes. Below 100m, this gives way to a vertical drop-off and another thermocline (the temperature measuring 10-14 °C below this) and no X. greenei were observed in this area. The Kiri Triggerfish is one of the few triggerfish species that can be safely kept in most reef aquaria. Sessile invertebrates are typically ignored, but it must be mentioned that larger Kiri Triggerfish are likely to eat any ornamental shrimp they come across. These fish are therefore ideal for those spacious reef set ups without any crustaceans. Kiri Triggerfish can be kept in a mated pair, or even in groups if introduced simultaneously. Filtration should be efficient and the water well oxygenated with areas of brisk current. Although this species may be a little shy when first introduced to the aquarium, the fish will soon gain confidence and may even spit water at the surface in anticipation of feeding time. Tankmates should be chosen with care as Kiri Triggerfish, whilst not anywhere near as belligerent as other members of the family, can still be moderately aggressive. Tiny, placid fish should be avoided. As with all fish, personalities can differ and there are occasional reports of "rogue fish". The vast majority of specimens will be safe in a reef environment, but we advise that you observe your individual fish carefully. As these triggerfish are often found at reasonable depths, the water temperature should be kept below 24 °C, and introduction to brighter lighting should be carried out gradually. The six known species of Xanthichthys triggerfish can be split into two groups, according to the number of pigmented cheek grooves, either 3 or 5. X. greenei, like the similar-looking X. lineopunctatus from the Western Indian Ocean, and X. ringens from the Western Atlantic, all have 3 (vs. 5 in X. auromarginatus, X. caeruleolineatus, and X. mento). The colour of X. greenei, X. lineopunctatus, and X. ringens is almost identical; however, X. greenei has a lower body scale count, body spots are reduced to a few speckles dorsally, and it attains a much smaller standard length (15.4cm vs 25/26cm).
Feeding
Meaty frozen foods such as vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, chopped krill/squid/cockle/mussel. Feed small amounts 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
