| Balistidae (Triggerfishes) |
| 50 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
|
reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 110 m, non-migratory |
| Indo-Pacific: Red Sea, East Africa eastward through northern Australia to Line, Marquesas and Society Islands, north to southern Japan |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 33-36; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 28-31. Description: Characterized by dark blue to purplish blue overall color with pale blue margins; teeth red; strongly elevated anteriorly, second dorsal and anal fins; front of eye with deep groove; slightly convex dorsal profile of head, ventral profile strongly convex; upturned mouth, protruding chin; prolonged two upper teeth, visible when mouth is closed; around seven longitudinal rows of small spines on posterior half of body; lunate caudal fin, prolonged lobes in large adult (Ref. 90102). |
| Inhabits reef channels or along slopes that are subject to strong currents (Ref. 48637). Occur in current-swept seaward coral reefs. Usually form aggregations and feed on zooplankton as well as sponges (Ref. 9770). Juveniles associated with isolated patches of rubble or crevices with proper-sized shelter holes (Ref. 1602). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Form large schools to feed on zooplankton (Ref. 48637). Also taken by drive-in nets (Ref. 9770). Marketed fresh or dried-salted. Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 30874. Popular aquarium fish (Ref. 37816). |
|
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 January 2022 Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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