Also known as the Redtail triggerfish, Xanthichthys ringens is often found in the Western Atlantic, ranging from South Carolina, through Gulf of Mexico to Lesser Antilles and Brazil.

It lives in Tropical marine reefs at depths of 25 to 80 meters (82 to 262.5 ft).

Its coloration includes three silvery-blue prominent diagonal grooves from below and behind mouth running nearly to gill opening, appearing as light brownish gray to a light blue with rows of dark spots on body.

Xanthichthys ringens inhabits seaward reef slopes, usually well below 30 m, where in some places they are among the most common fish, solitary or in small groups.

The fish feeds on crabs, shrimp, sea urchins and zooplankton.