Yellowmargin Triggerfish

Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus is a marine fish in the triggerfish family Balistidae. They originate in coastal tropical waters and reefs of the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea south to Natal, South Africa and east from southern Japan south to Indonesia, Philippines and Samoa.

Description

These triggerfish can grow to a maximum length of 60 cm (24 in). Body is blotchy pinkish to greyish with a yellowish-pink snout, darkish stripes behind the eye, and yellow fin margins. Adults have a deep groove before the eyes and 5-6 rows of spiny scales on the tail base. Juveniles are more yellowish with black spots on the rear of the head and body, and saddle-like markings on the back.

Juvenile fish become adults and some change their shape and colour. Some species change sex and others just get older. They are marketed either fresh or dried for food, but are potentially dangerous in some areas due to ciguatera poisoning.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: Red Sea south to Natal, South Africa and east through Indonesia to the Tuamoto Islands, north to southern Japan.

Habitat

It can be found at water depths from 2–50 m (6.6–164.0 ft). The yellowmargin triggerfish is oviparous, spawning in pairs. The female fish guard their nests aggressively. When not mating, the fish are solitary or may remain in pairs.