Ocean triggerfish
📖 Overview
Common near drop-offs of seaward reefs . Occasionally in shallow water. Solitary or in small groups in open water. Often associated with Sargassum . Feeds mainly on large zooplankton. Minimum depth reported from Ref. 13121.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25 - 28; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 23 - 25. Soft dorsal and anal fins very elevated anteriorly, the longest rays nearly as long as head; caudal fin double-emarginate, brownish gray with a large dark brown spot at base of pectoral fins .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ocean triggerfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 5 - 60 m , usually 5 - 30 m . Tropical; 43°N - 17°S South America.
🌿 Ecology
large zooplankton
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Ocean 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 | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 108 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Ocean 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balistes asperrimus | Cope | 1871 | Synonym |
| Balistes macrops | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
| Balistes sobaco | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
| Balistes sufflamen | Mitchill | 1815 | Synonym |
| Canthidermis sabaco | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 19 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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