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Swollenchest triggerfish (Xenobalistes tumidipectoris) — Balistidae

Swollenchest triggerfish

Xenobalistes tumidipectoris
Family: Balistidae

The Swollenchest triggerfish (Xenobalistes tumidipectoris) is a saltwater fish of the family Balistidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan, North. Marianas

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Description

The swollenchest triggerfish is a triggerfish (Balistidae) from deeper reef and rocky water around Australia and the western Pacific. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body with a rough skin and an erectable first dorsal spine that it can 'lock' upright to wedge itself in a crevice. With strong jaws it nibbles at crustaceans, molluscs and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Swollenchest triggerfish?

The Swollenchest triggerfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Swollenchest triggerfish live?

The Swollenchest triggerfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Japan, North. Marianas

How big does the Swollenchest triggerfish get?

The Swollenchest triggerfish grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Swollenchest triggerfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Swollenchest 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
Swollenchest triggerfish sourced
Scientific name
Xenobalistes tumidipectoris
Family
Balistidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.1 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Asia: Japan, North. Marianas 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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

More from the family Balistidae

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