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Striped triggerfish (Xanthichthys lineopunctatus) — Balistidae

Striped triggerfish

Xanthichthys lineopunctatus
Family: Balistidae

The Striped triggerfish (Xanthichthys lineopunctatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–50.0 m
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Galapagos Is., Japan, Ryukyu Is. and others
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The striped triggerfish is a triggerfish (Balistidae) from deeper reef and rocky water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, rough-skinned body with fine lines and spots and high-set eyes. With a lockable first dorsal spine it can wedge itself into a crevice. As a plankton feeder it hovers above the reef slope and snaps at zooplankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Striped triggerfish?

The Striped triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Striped triggerfish live?

The Striped triggerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Galapagos Is., Japan, Ryukyu Is. and others

How big does the Striped triggerfish get?

The Striped triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Striped triggerfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Striped 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.

Is the Striped triggerfish edible?

The Striped triggerfish is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Striped triggerfish sourced
Scientific name
Xanthichthys lineopunctatus
Family
Balistidae
Other names
Lined triggerfish; Striped triggerfish; Brown-lined triggerfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Australia, China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Galapagos Is., Japan, Ryukyu Is. and others 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

Edibility
Rarely eaten inferred
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. 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 Xanthichthys

More from the family Balistidae

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