Orange-lined triggerfish
📖 Overview
Adults which are territorial in nature occur in coral-rich areas of deep lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to at least 50 meters . They feed on a variety of benthic organisms such as algae, echinoderms, fishes, mollusks, tunicates, sponges, and hydrozoans. Eggs are laid as one cluster in a shallow excavation on sand or rubble along channels. . Marketed fresh and dried-salted .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 27; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 20 - 24. This species is distinguished by the following characters: front of eye without the elongate groove; enlarged scales above the pectoral-fin base and just behind the gill opening to form a flexible tympanum; the scales of the caudal peduncle with 2 longitudinal rows of large anterior-projecting spines; the slightly rounded caudal fin with compressed peduncle; head and body colour green to brown with diagonally curved orange lines and a large round black blotch covering most of the caudal-fin base; rays of soft dorsal, anal and pectoral fins orange and also the caudal fin .: short and / or deep; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Orange-lined triggerfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Spawning behaviour may involve loose aggregations and nesting occurs in channels. The eggs are laid in a single spongy cluster in a shallow excavation in rubble or sand. Hatching occurs at night . Nests are guarded by one or at times two adults .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 60 m . Tropical; 32°N - 32°S, 30°E - 132°W south to Natal, South Africa (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
a variety of benthic organisms such as algae, echinoderms, fishes, mollusks, tunicates, sponges, and
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.
References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Orange-lined triggerfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 118 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Orange-lined triggerfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balistapus undulates | Park | 1797 | Synonym |
| Balistes aculeatus minor | Forsskål | 1775 | Synonym |
| Balistes aculeatus viridis | Bennett | 1828 | Synonym |
| Balistes lineatus | Bloch & Schneider | 1801 | Synonym |
| Balistes minor | Forsskål | 1775 | Synonym |
| Balistes porcatus | Gronow | 1854 | Synonym |
| Balistes sesquilineatus | Lay & Bennett | 1939 | Synonym |
| Balistes undulatus | Park | 1797 | Synonym |
| Balistopus undulatus | Park | 1797 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Orange-lined triggerfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 60 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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