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Orange-sided triggerfish (Sufflamen verres)

Photo of Orange-sided triggerfish (Sufflamen verres)

Key facts

Scientific name
Sufflamen verres
Common name
Orange-sided triggerfish
Category
Fish
Family
Balistidae
Genus
Sufflamen
Size
20–41 cm
Depth
3–40 m
IUCN status
Least concern (LC)
Danger level
Harmless
Habitats
rocky-reef, coral-reef
Behaviours
solitary, diurnal
Ocean zones
Caribbean, Eastern Pacific

Description

Sufflamen verres reaches 41 cm. East Pacific tropical triggerfish (Balistidae) from Mexico to Peru, Galapagos and Hawaii (by introduction) with compressed oval body olive-brown to brown-green on back, orange to vivid yellow belly, contrasting vivid orange head, distinctive snout, erectile first dorsal fin. Lives from 3 to 40 m on rocky and coral reefs. Territorial, emits sounds by rubbing. Classic dive photo subject of Sea of Cortez, Costa Rica, Cocos and Galapagos for contrasting colors.

Photo of Orange-sided triggerfish

Photo of Orange-sided triggerfish (Sufflamen verres)Photo of Orange-sided triggerfish (Sufflamen verres)

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Orange-sided triggerfish?
Orange-sided triggerfish (Sufflamen verres) reaches 20–41 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Orange-sided triggerfish?
Orange-sided triggerfish is found between 3–40 m deep.
Is the Orange-sided triggerfish dangerous to divers?
Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Orange-sided triggerfish?
IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Orange-sided triggerfish?
Found in: Caribbean, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the genus Sufflamen

  • Sufflamen bursa - Scythe triggerfish
  • Sufflamen chrysopterum - Halfmoon triggerfish
  • Sufflamen albicaudatus - Whitecaudal Triggerfish

Other species in the family Balistidae

  • Balistes vetula - Queen triggerfish
  • Rhinecanthus aculeatus - Picasso triggerfish
  • Balistapus undulatus - Orange-lined triggerfish
  • Odonus niger - Redtoothed triggerfish
  • Canthidermis sufflamen - Ocean triggerfish
  • Canthidermis maculata - Spotted Triggerfish

Sources

  • Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 276853)
  • Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
  • Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2407205)
  • Conservation: IUCN Red List
  • Encyclopedia: Wikipedia