Yellow-margin Triggerfish

ID points

• All fins edged in a bright yellow margin
• Grey-brown body with a pinkish white snout
• Charges divers that come near while guarding its nest

Basics

Family

Balistidae

Length

40–60 cm

Depth

2-50 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs

Distribution

Coral reefs and reef sand flats of the Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Coral reefs and sandy reef flats

Diet

Molluscs, sea urchins and coral

Easily confused with

Clown TriggerfishA patch of large round white spots on the bellyTriggerfishEyes set high and far back on the head, well away from the mouthPink-tail TriggerfishDark brown body with a pink-white tail fin

Fun fact

Fiercely territorial. During the spawning season the female will charge anything that comes near her nest, divers included, and there have been several biting incidents.

More in this family

• Titan Triggerfish