| Family: |
Balistidae (Triggerfishes) |
| Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 60 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: East Africa eastward through northern Australia to Hawaiian and Tuamotu islands, north to southern Japan. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 31-35; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 28-31. Juveniles with dark lines radiating from eye and dark lines on anal and soft dorsal fins (Ref. 4420).
Description: Characterized further by dark brown body color; yellowish snout and pectoral fins; dorsal and anal fins white with black margins; caudal fin pink with white base; front of eye with deep groove; 28-32 head scale rows from corner of mouth to lower end of gill opening; 67-74 body scale rows from upper end of gill opening to caudal fin base; not prominent longitudinal ridges following scale rows of posterior body; truncate to slightly emarginate caudal fin (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Occur in seaward reefs to depths greater than 60 m (Ref. 9710, 48637), with rich invertebrate growth (Ref. 48637). Common in coral-rich areas exposed to currents (Ref. 1602). Usually at moderate depths in small loose groups (Ref. 48637). Benthopelagic (Ref. 58302). Diet consists mainly of algae and detritus but also takes in crustaceans, octopuses, sponges, and fishes (Ref. 1602). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Also taken with drive-in nets. Marketed fresh (Ref. 9770). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 January 2022 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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