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Largescale triggerfish (Canthidermis macrolepis) — Balistidae

Largescale triggerfish

Canthidermis macrolepis
Family: Balistidae

The Largescale triggerfish (Canthidermis macrolepis) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 60 cm.

Length
60 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan, Oman, Micronesia, Yemen, Eritrea

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Description

The largescale triggerfish is a triggerfish (Balistidae) from warm parts of the Indian and Pacific oceans. The species grows to about 60 cm and has an oval, dark-grey body with large, rough scale plates. The first dorsal spine can be raised and locked upright. As a semi-pelagic species it often swims in open water above reefs and slopes and eats zooplankton, jellyfish and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Largescale triggerfish?

The Largescale triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Largescale triggerfish live?

The Largescale triggerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: Japan, Oman, Micronesia, Yemen, Eritrea

How big does the Largescale triggerfish get?

The Largescale triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.

Is the Largescale triggerfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Largescale triggerfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Largescale triggerfish sourced
Scientific name
Canthidermis macrolepis
Family
Balistidae
Other names
Large-scale triggerfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
60.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Japan, Oman, Micronesia, Yemen, Eritrea sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Canthidermis

More from the family Balistidae

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