Fin's Fish Guide
The Old wife (Balistes vetula) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Western Atlantic and Caribbean, on rocky and coral areas and adjacent sand and seagrass flats.
Description
The queen triggerfish is a colourful triggerfish (family Balistidae) of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body in shades of blue, green and yellow with blue lines on the head. It lives over rocky and coral areas and adjacent sand and seagrass flats, sometimes in schools but often solitary. It feeds on benthic invertebrates and specialises in sea urchins, which it turns over by blowing water at them. The species can lock the first dorsal spine upright. It is considered Near Threatened (NT); in parts of its range the flesh can contain ciguatera.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Old wife?
The Old wife has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a plain pattern. Turns sea urchins over by blowing water at them; can lock its first dorsal fin spine; prone to ciguatera in parts of its range.
Where does the Old wife live?
The Old wife lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean, on rocky and coral areas and adjacent sand and seagrass flats.
How big does the Old wife get?
The Old wife grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 30 cm.
Is the Old wife dangerous to humans?
The Old wife is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. The flesh can contain ciguatera in some tropical areas; do not eat large reef specimens from risk areas. In case of poisoning (tingling, gastrointestinal symptoms) seek medical advice.
Is the Old wife edible?
The Old wife is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Balistes
More from the family Balistidae
Want the complete picture on the Old wife?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Old wife is one of 12,519 species in the app.