Yellow-spotted triggerfish
📖 Overview
Adults occur in clear shallow lagoons and seaward reefs; sandy areas near reef patches of reef edge are preferred. They are found on deep reefs or with shipwrecks, usually deeper than 30 meters. Juveniles inshore on rubble reef or small outcrops on open substrate . They feed on sea urchins, crustaceans, mollusks, dead fish, tunicates or corals . Oviparous . Monogamous . Also caught with drive-in nets. Marketed fresh and dried-salted .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 27; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 19 - 24. Dark brown, scales with yellow spot; pectoral, soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins dark with yellow margins; juveniles yellowish brown with bluish grey spots and blotches . Juveniles under about 5 cm, tan with dark saddles and numerous dark wavy lines on the body. Larger juveniles loose the dark saddles and become covered in a network of brilliant blue lines which become increasingly interconnected with growth . : short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Yellow-spotted triggerfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing . Nest-guarding females are aggressive . Females are territorial, solely tending and guarding the eggs. Males exhibit polygyny .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 30 - 50 m . Tropical; 32°N - 24°S, 30°E - 145°W East Africa, through northern Australia to Society Islands, north to southern Japan.
🌿 Ecology
sea urchins, crustaceans, mollusks, dead fish, tunicates or corals (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Yellow-spotted 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) | 112 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Yellow-spotted 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 caerulescens | Rüppell | 1829 | Synonym |
| Balistes fuscus | Bloch & Schneider | 1801 | Synonym |
| Balistes reticulatus | Holland | 1854 | Synonym |
| Balistes rivulatus | Rüppell | 1837 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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