Rough Triggerfish
Canthidermis maculata
Also known as: Ocean Triggerfish, Rough Triggerfish, Spotted Oceanic Triggerfish, Spotted Triggerfish, White-spotted Triggerfish, Oceanic Triggerfish
- Ocean Triggerfish
- Rough Triggerfish
- Spotted Oceanic Triggerfish
- Spotted Triggerfish
- White-spotted Triggerfish
- Oceanic Triggerfish
Overview
Found in large schools, over shallow coastal waters, as well as deep, steep outer reef slopes.
Circumglobal
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
- Pattern
- white spots
- Behaviour
- schoolingsleeps in sand or crevices
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Worldwide
- Exact location · 1
Found in large schools, over shallow coastal waters, as well as deep, steep outer reef slopes.
Adult photos 1
Discussion
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Deep dive
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