Starry Triggerfish
Abalistes stellatus
Also known as: Flat-tailed Triggerfish, Star Puffer, Star Triggerfish, Starry Filefish, Abalistes stellaris
- Flat-tailed Triggerfish
- Star Puffer
- Star Triggerfish
- Starry Filefish
- Abalistes stellaris
Overview
Found singly or in pairs, over mud and sandy bottoms, close to reefs rich in algae and sponge growth. The females guard their nest aggressively.
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
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-West Pacific, Eastern Atlantic
- Country only · 1
Found singly or in pairs, over mud and sandy bottoms, close to reefs rich in algae and sponge growth.
Juvenile photos 1
Discussion
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Deep dive
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