Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-bodied triggerfish (Odonus niger) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Description
The redtooth triggerfish is a triggerfish (Balistidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a blue-green to purplish body, a deeply forked tail with elongated lobes and conspicuous red teeth, to which the name refers. It inhabits reef channels and slopes with strong currents, where it often hovers above the reef in large, loose schools. Unlike many triggerfishes it is a peaceful planktivore: it captures zooplankton from the current. When threatened it dives into a crevice and locks itself in place with its dorsal spine. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-bodied triggerfish?
The Black-bodied triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly blue and shows a plain pattern. Blue-green with red teeth; peaceful plankton-eater that hovers in shoals above current-swept reefs.
Where does the Black-bodied triggerfish live?
The Black-bodied triggerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; current-swept reef channels and slopes.
How big does the Black-bodied triggerfish get?
The Black-bodied triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Black-bodied triggerfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black-bodied triggerfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black-bodied triggerfish edible?
The Black-bodied triggerfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Balistidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-bodied triggerfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-bodied triggerfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.