Sargassum triggerfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits seaward reef slopes, usually well below 30 m, where in some places they are among the most common fish. Young live among floating Sargassum. Solitary or in small groups. Feeds on crabs and sea urchins. Spawns in deep water .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26 - 29; Anal soft rays: 23 - 27. Three prominent diagonal grooves running from below and behind mouth nearly to gill opening; light brownish gray with rows of dark brown spots on body; grooves on head dark brown; caudal fin pale with orange-red upper and lower borders and a large orange-red crescent posteriorly .: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sargassum triggerfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 25 - 80 m . Tropical; 37°N - 33°S, 89°W - 34°W South Carolina (USA), through Gulf of Mexico to Lesser Antilles.
🌿 Ecology
crabs and sea urchins
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balistes cicatricosus | Poey | 1860 | Synonym |
| Balistes curassavicus | Gmelin | 1789 | Synonym |
| Balistes elongatus | Hollard | 1854 | Synonym |
| Balistes heckelii | Müller | 1865 | Synonym |
| Balistes nigra | Osbeck | 1771 | Synonym |
| Balistes nitidus | Gronow | 1854 | Synonym |
| Balistes notatus | Gronow | 1854 | Synonym |
| Balistes ringens | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Sargassum triggerfish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 8 records indexed .
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