Halfmoon Triggerfish (Juvenile) (Sufflamen chrysopterum)

Also known as Black Triggerfish, Bluebelly Sufflamen Trigger, Bluebelly Triggerfish, Bluethroat Trigger, Flagtail Triggerfish, Golden-finned Triggerfish, Golden-lined Triggerfish, Halfmoon Picasso Fish, Halfmoon Trigger, Haremic Triggerfish, Whiterim Trigger, Whiterim Triggerfish, Whitetail Trigger, Whitetail Triggerfish, White-tailed Triggerfish, Whitetip Sufflamen Trigger, Whitetip Trigger, Yellowstreak Triggerfish, Yellow-backed Triggerfish

Description

Also known as Black Triggerfish, Bluebelly Sufflamen Trigger, Bluebelly Triggerfish, Bluethroat Trigger, Flagtail Triggerfish, Golden-finned Triggerfish, Golden-lined Triggerfish, Halfmoon Picasso Fish, Halfmoon Trigger, Haremic Triggerfish, Whiterim Trigger, Whiterim Triggerfish, Whitetail Trigger, Whitetail Triggerfish, White-tailed Triggerfish, Whitetip Sufflamen Trigger, Whitetip Trigger, Yellowstreak Triggerfish, Yellow-backed Triggerfish.

Found singly and territorial, over shallow, silty, lagoons to clear outer reef walls, and seaward reefs. Adults with distinctive tail fin pattern, ending in a part-moon shaped white margin.
They feed on invertebrates.
Juveniles brown/yellow on top, and white from below eye level, separated by black strip.
Length - 30cm
Depth - 1-35m
Widespread Indo-West Pacific

Triggerfish have a hard spine Dorsal Fin that can be locked.
When sleeping this spine is used to wedge them into place in a crevasse and so deter predators from pulling them out of their bed!
The spine is also held erect as a warning to other fish to stay away.
Several large Titans blow shallow depressions in the sand for nesting and if approached will raise this spine as a warning, if ignored they may charge, even divers! especially the Titan Triggerfish who will take a tasty bite!! Beware!!! Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Sufflamen-chrysopterum

Related creatures

Heads up! Many creatures change during their life. Juvenile fish become adults and some change shape or their colour. Some species change sex and others just get older. The following creature(s) are known relatives of the Halfmoon Triggerfish (Juvenile). Click the image(s) to explore further or hover over to get a better view!

Halfmoon Triggerfish

Halfmoon Triggerfish

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