Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-spotted triggerfish (Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; coastal to inner reefs, lagoon slopes and estuaries.
Description
The yellowmargin triggerfish is a large triggerfish (Balistidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a robust, grey-brown body with yellow-edged fins, to which the name refers, and powerful jaws with strong teeth. It inhabits coastal to inner reefs, lagoon slopes and estuaries, often on silty bottoms. It blows prey out of the sand with a jet of water and cracks sea urchins, shellfish and crustaceans. In the breeding season it fiercely guards a bottom nest and can then give a painful bite; otherwise it is not aggressive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-spotted triggerfish?
The Black-spotted triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Yellow-edged fins; blows prey out of the sand; fiercely guards a nest and can bite then.
Where does the Black-spotted triggerfish live?
The Black-spotted triggerfish lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; coastal to inner reefs, lagoon slopes and estuaries.
How big does the Black-spotted triggerfish get?
The Black-spotted triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Black-spotted triggerfish dangerous to humans?
The Black-spotted triggerfish is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The powerful jaws with strong teeth can give a painful bite when disturbed, especially a nest-guarding individual. Clean the wound and seek medical care for a deep bite.
Is the Black-spotted triggerfish edible?
The Black-spotted 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 Pseudobalistes
More from the family Balistidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-spotted triggerfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-spotted triggerfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.