Pinktail Triggerfish
Melichthys vidua
Also known as: Paddlefin Triggerfish, Pinktail Durgon, Pinktail Trigger, Pink-tailed Trigger, Pink-tailed Triggerfish, White-tailed Triggerfish
- Paddlefin Triggerfish
- Pinktail Durgon
- Pinktail Trigger
- Pink-tailed Trigger
- Pink-tailed Triggerfish
- White-tailed Triggerfish
Overview
Found singly or in small loose schools, over exposed, current swept, seaward reefs, rich in coral growth.
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.
How to identify
- Fins & Tail
- pink tailwhite fins
- Head & Mouth
- yellow face
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-Pacific
- Dive site · 2
- Country only · 5
Found singly or in small loose schools, over exposed, current swept, seaward reefs, rich in coral growth.
Adult photos 7
Discussion
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Deep dive
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