Rhinecanthus verrucosus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Blackbelly triggerfish
Rhinecanthus verrucosus
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Balistidae (Triggerfishes)
Max. size:  23 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 20 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Seychelles, Chagos Archipelago through northern Australia to Vanuatu, north to southern Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 23-26; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 21-23. Description: Characterized by greyish brown color dorsally, white ventrally; presence of large black patch on lower side centered above anus; broad yellowish brown band with four blue lines across interorbital space, continuing with three blue lines below eye to opening of gill; blue zone above upper lip bordered above by red line, extending to lower pectoral fin base; posterior body/caudal peduncle with pair of yellowish blotches; absence of groove in front of eye; nearly straight dorsal and ventral head profiles; caudal peduncle and adjacent posterior body with three horizontal rows of small, anterior projecting spines; rounded caudal fin (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabit subtidal reef flats and protected lagoons, Ref. 48637. Found mainly in rubble-algal habitat and usually in loose aggregations. Sometimes solitary (Ref. 90102). Shy species, usually swimming away or when small, diving into holes (Ref. 48637). Oviparous (Ref. 205). Also taken by drive-in nets (Ref. 9770).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 January 2022 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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