Indian Triggerfish

Melichthys indicus is a species of triggerfish from reefs in the Indo-Pacific.

These are not to be confused with the Hawaiian Black Triggerfish or Black Durgon (Melichthys niger), which is often mistaken as being Indian triggerfish within the trade.

Description

It is a medium-sized triggerfish very similar to M. niger. It has a dark brown, almost black, body with very thin lines which look like yellow-gold depending on the light. The most outstanding feature from this fish are probably the bright white lines at the base of the dorsal and anal fins, as well as the outer edge of the caudal fin. It has blue stripes between and around the eyes and sometimes diagonal lines on the cheek. It can grow up to 10 in (25 cm) long.

Distribution

Indian Ocean: Red Sea and East Africa eastward to western Thailand and Sumatra, Indonesia.

Habitat

It inhabits coral-rich seaward reef slopes. Occurs singly. Digs holes below coral bases for shelter.

The Indian triggerfish usually feeds on hard-shelled mollusks and echinoderms, but some feed on algae and zooplankton. They are often very aggressive over their eggs, but are otherwise harmless. Indian triggerfish are very easy to keep at home, Some are peaceful but some are very aggressive towards other fish.