Ocean Triggerfish 
Ocean Triggerfish
Canthidermis sufflamen
Average Weight/Length
On average, the largest of the Triggers, commonly weighing 4-6 pounds; sometimes tops 10 pounds. World record 13 pounds, 8 ounces.
Family, Genus, Class & Etymology
| Family | Balistidae |
| Description | Triggerfishes |
| Environment | Marine |
| Etymology | Greek, balein = to throw ( |
| Genus | 12 |
| No. of Species | 42 |
| Order | Tetraodontiformes |
| Class | Actinopterygii |
| Reproductive Guild | Guarders |
| Distribution | Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Usually compressed body. Pelvic fins fused to one spine. First dorsal spine with locking mechanism. With 12 principal rays in caudal fin. 18 vertebrae. Upper jaw non-protrusible. Upper jaw usually with four teeth in outer and three in the inner series on each premaxillary. Capable of rotating eyeballs independently. Triggerfish normally swim by undulating their second dorsal and anal fins, but will use their tail for rapid bursts. Most triggerfishes are solitary diurnal carnivores, feeding on a wide variety of invertebrates including hard-shelled mollusks and echinoderms; some also feed on algae or zooplankton. They lay demersal eggs in a nest which is aggressively guarded by the female, less often by the male. Popular and hardy in aquaria, but often aggressive |
Other "Popular" Names for this Fish
Ocean Tally, Great Trigger, Turbot
Location Habitat
Inshore flats and channels; coral reefs. Common near drop-offs of seaward reefs. Occasionally in shallow water. Solitary or in small groups in open water. Often associated with Sargassum. Feeds mainly on large zooplankton.
Biology & Physical Description
Overall dark gray or black. Black blotch at base of pectoral fin. Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-28; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 23 - 25. Soft dorsal and anal fins very elevated anteriorly, the longest rays nearly as long as head; caudal fin double-emarginate, brownish gray with a large dark brown spot at base of pectoral fins
Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)
|
|
Summary of Distribution: Western Atlantic: Canada to Massachusetts (USA), Bermuda, and northern Gulf of Mexico to South America. Eastern Atlantic: St. Paul's Rocks, Ascension, Cape Verde and St. Helena (Ref. 5288); Sao Tome Island |
|
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org) |
|
Tackle & Baits
Spinning, baitcasting and light ocean tackle. Small hooks and baits are essential. Will bite any sort of cut bait. Also takes jigs, and even flies.
Game Rating
Game Rating : 8/10
Game Description :
A very strong and stubborn fighter.
Food Rating
Game Rating : 7/10
Game Description :
Good but tends to be coarser than other Triggers.
