Fin's Fish Guide
The Blunthead triggerfish (Pseudobalistes naufragium) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The stone triggerfish is the largest triggerfish (Balistidae) and occurs in the eastern Pacific. The species has a deep, laterally compressed, greyish body and can grow to over a metre. It lives around reefs and over sandy bottoms of shallow water. With its powerful jaws and strong teeth it cracks sea urchins, crustaceans and molluscs; it flips a sea urchin over with a jet of water to attack the soft underside. When disturbed, especially a nest-guarding individual, it can give a painful bite; otherwise it is not aggressive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blunthead triggerfish?
The Blunthead triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Largest triggerfish (>1 m); blows sea urchins over with a jet of water; powerful jaws.
Where does the Blunthead triggerfish live?
The Blunthead triggerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern Pacific; reefs and sandy bottoms of shallow water.
How big does the Blunthead triggerfish get?
The Blunthead triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 55 cm.
Is the Blunthead triggerfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Blunthead triggerfish is harmless to humans. The powerful jaws with strong teeth can give a painful bite when the animal is disturbed, such as a nest-guarding individual. Clean the wound and seek medical care for a deep bite.
Is the Blunthead triggerfish edible?
The Blunthead 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 Blunthead triggerfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blunthead triggerfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.