Gilded triggerfish

  Tropical reef fish

Identity card

Gilded triggerfish

Scientific name:
Xanthichthys auromarginatus
Family:
Balistidae
Class:
Actinopterygii
Phylum:
Chordata
Year of description:
Bennett, 1832
IUCN Status:
Least Concern
Distribution:

Indo-Pacific: Mayotte, Réunion, New Caledonia, French Polynesia.

Habitat:

The depth varies between 8 and 150 metres, but is generally more than 20 metres.

Size:

22,7 cm.

Diet:

Zooplankton.

 

The first dorsal spine can be raised to prevent a predator from swallowing it.

This same spine allows it to attach itself to the crevices of the reef, making it difficult to dislodge.

Males and females are easily distinguished by their colours: only the male has a blue spot on its throat and yellow edges on its dorsal and anal fins.

Where can I find it at Nausicaá?

Mankind and shores

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