Queen triggerfish (Balistes vetula)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Balistes vetula
- Common name
- Queen triggerfish
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Balistidae
- Size
- 25–60 cm
- Depth
- 3–80 m
- IUCN status
- Near threatened (NT)
- Danger level
- Caution
- Habitats
- reef, rocky
- Behaviours
- solitary, diurnal, omnivore, territorial
- Ocean zones
- Caribbean, Macaronesia, East Atlantic
Description
The queen triggerfish is a beautifully patterned species found on Caribbean and West African reefs. Its powerful beak-like jaws crush sea urchins and hard-shelled invertebrates with ease. During nesting it becomes fiercely territorial and may charge divers who venture too close to its nest.
Photo of Queen triggerfish
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the Queen triggerfish?
- Queen triggerfish (Balistes vetula) reaches 25–60 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the Queen triggerfish?
- Queen triggerfish is found between 3–80 m deep.
- Is the Queen triggerfish dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Caution.
- What is the conservation status of the Queen triggerfish?
- IUCN status: Near threatened (NT).
- Where can you find the Queen triggerfish?
- Found in: Caribbean, Macaronesia, East Atlantic.
Other species in the family Balistidae
- Balistoides viridescens - Titan triggerfish
- Rhinecanthus assasi - Red Sea Picasso triggerfish
- Odonus niger - Redtoothed triggerfish
- Balistapus undulatus - Orange-lined triggerfish
- Canthidermis sufflamen - Ocean triggerfish
- Rhinecanthus aculeatus - Picasso triggerfish
Sources
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia