| Family: |
Balistidae (Triggerfishes) |
| Max. size: |
55 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 30 - 50 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to East Africa, through northern Australia to Society Islands, north to southern Japan. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24-27; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 19-24. Dark brown, scales with yellow spot; pectoral, soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins dark with yellow margins; juveniles yellowish brown with bluish grey spots and blotches (Ref. 4420). Juveniles under about 5 cm, tan with dark saddles and numerous dark wavy lines on the body. Larger juveniles loose the dark saddles and become covered in a network of brilliant blue lines which become increasingly interconnected with growth (Ref. 37816).
Description: Characterized further by having strongly elevated dorsal and anal fins anteriorly; front of eye with deep groove; shallow, horizontal grooves on lower cheek; posterior body without spines; rounded caudal fins in young adults, becoming emarginate in adult, lobes prolonged in large individuals (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Occur in clear shallow lagoons and seaward reefs; sandy areas near reef patches of reef edge are preferred. Adults on deep reefs or with shipwrecks, usually deeper than 30 meters. Juveniles inshore on rubble reef or small outcrops on open substrate (Ref. 48637). Feed on sea urchins, crustaceans, mollusks, dead fish, tunicates or corals (Ref. 5503). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Monogamous (Ref. 52884). Also caught with drive-in nets. Marketed fresh and dried-salted (Ref. 9770). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 January 2022 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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