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Bluethroat triggerfish (Sufflamen albicaudatum) — Balistidae

Bluethroat triggerfish

Sufflamen albicaudatum
Family: Balistidae

The Bluethroat triggerfish (Sufflamen albicaudatum) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 22 cm.

Length
22 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2.0–20.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The bluethroat triggerfish is a triggerfish (Balistidae) from the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 22 cm and has an oval, brown body with a blue throat in males and a pale tail. The first dorsal spine can be raised and locked upright, wedging the fish into crevices. As a reef-dweller it crushes sea urchins, snails, crustaceans and coral rubble. It can defend its nest; otherwise the fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bluethroat triggerfish?

The Bluethroat triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Bluethroat triggerfish live?

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

How big does the Bluethroat triggerfish get?

The Bluethroat triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.

Is the Bluethroat triggerfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Bluethroat triggerfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Witstaart-trekkervis sourced
English name
Bluethroat triggerfish sourced
Scientific name
Sufflamen albicaudatum
Family
Balistidae
Other names
Bluethroat triggerfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
22.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
2.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Sufflamen

More from the family Balistidae

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