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Blue triggerfish (Pseudobalistes fuscus) — Balistidae

Blue triggerfish

Pseudobalistes fuscus
Family: Balistidae
LC · Least Concern

The Blue triggerfish (Pseudobalistes fuscus) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 55 cm.

Length
55 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
30.0–50.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
May bite
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The blue triggerfish is a large triggerfish (Balistidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 55 cm and has a deep, compressed, blue body with a network of yellow lines. It occurs on clear, shallow lagoon and seaward reefs and prefers sandy sites near reef edges; adults live deeper than 30 m. With its powerful jaws and strong teeth it crushes sea urchins, molluscs and crustaceans. The first dorsal spine works as a 'trigger' with which it can lock itself into crevices. When defending its nest it can strike fiercely and bite divers.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blue triggerfish?

The Blue triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Blue triggerfish live?

The Blue triggerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Blue triggerfish get?

The Blue triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 55 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Blue triggerfish dangerous to humans?

The Blue triggerfish can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans.

Is the Blue triggerfish edible?

Yes, the Blue triggerfish is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Blauwe trekkervis sourced
English name
Blue triggerfish verified
Scientific name
Pseudobalistes fuscus
Family
Balistidae
Other names
Blue triggerfish; Blue-and-gold triggerfish; Blue-lined trigger; Bluelined triggerfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
55.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Blue inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
30.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas (vis, garnaal, worm) of kunstaas dicht bij rif- en rotsstructuren. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pseudobalistes

More from the family Balistidae

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