Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-lipped triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Description
The titan triggerfish is the largest triggerfish on Indo-Pacific coral reefs, reaching about 75 cm. The species has a robust, yellow-green to brown body with dark scale margins and a black upper lip. While breeding it fiercely guards a cone-shaped nest on the bottom and attacks intruders, including divers, with powerful jaws that can inflict serious bite wounds. It crushes coral, snails and sea urchins. Large specimens carry a ciguatera risk. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-lipped triggerfish?
The Black-lipped triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Largest reef triggerfish; fiercely guards the nest and bites divers; ciguatera risk
Where does the Black-lipped triggerfish live?
The Black-lipped triggerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Black-lipped triggerfish get?
The Black-lipped triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 75 cm.
Is the Black-lipped triggerfish dangerous to humans?
The Black-lipped triggerfish can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Keep your distance in the breeding season: this fish fiercely defends its bottom nest and may bite divers. Clean any bite wound thoroughly, stop the bleeding and seek medical help for a deep wound. Also watch for ciguatera in large specimens.
Is the Black-lipped triggerfish edible?
The Black-lipped triggerfish is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Balistoides
More from the family Balistidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-lipped triggerfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-lipped triggerfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.