Latin name

Odonus niger

Other names

Blue triggerfish, redfang triggerfish, redtoothed filefish, Niger triggerfish.

Identification

The body is diamond shaped, slightly flattened at the sides. Tail bifurcated, very long, often with pointed ends. Very small mouth with red teeth.

Features of fish fins

Anterior dorsal fin with sharp bony rays, second dorsal and anal fins well developed. 

Fish colouring

The head is large, pale, greenish with blue lines. The edges of the fins have a glossy blue-green rim. The body colour can be dark green or blue depending on the mood of the fish. 

Distribution

Live in the Red Sea and Indo-Pacific from the coast of East Africa to South Africa, Japan, New Caledonia to the Marquesas and Society Islands. 

Habitat

They live at depths of 3 to 35 metres above coral reefs in lagoons and outer reefs.

Size

Can reach up to 50 centimetres in length. 

Behavior

They live in a loose pack.

Food and feeding habits

It feeds on zooplankton and benthic invertebrates such as sponges, molluscs and crustaceans.

Reproduction

During the breeding season, harems are formed, consisting of one male and up to 10 females, all of which lay eggs together  in a hole in the ground. The males guard the eggs until the larvae are born. Life expectancy under aquarium conditions is about 10 years.

Fishing

Commercially insignificant fish. Not edible for humans.

Relationship with a person

A popular aquarium fish.