Orange-lined triggerfish

Balistapus undulatus

''Balistapus undulatus'', also known as the Orange-lined triggerfish is a demersal marine fish belonging to the family Balistidae, the triggerfishes. It is the only member of the monotypic genus ''Balistapus''.
Orange-Lined Triggerfish - Balistapus undulatus  Anilao,Balistapus undulatus,Batangas,Fish,Orange-lined triggerfish,Philippines,Triggerfish

Appearance

It grows up to 30 cm long. Its body has a stock appearance, oval shape and compressed laterally. The head is large and is about one third of the body length. The mouth is small and terminal and it has strong teeth.

The first dorsal fin has three spines, one of which is longer and stronger. It is erectile and kept in a dorsal furrow at rest. The second dorsal fin is similar in shape and size to the anal fin, which is symmetrically opposed to it. The pelvic fin is reduced to a ventral protrusion.

The body is dark green with orange lines. The male loses the lines on his snout as he matures. There is a black blotch on the caudal peduncle, and the caudal fin is orange.
Orange-lined Triggerfish - Balistapus undulatus  Balistapus undulatus,Fish,Maldives,Orange-lined Triggerfish,Triggerfish

Distribution

It is widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. It inhabits coral reefs, lagoons and external reef slopes at depths up to 50 meters.
Orange-Lined Triggerfish - Balistapus undulatus There were 2 of this Orange-Lined Triggerfish - Balistapus undulatus together, guarding their nest of eggs.  However, the wrasses have discovered the eggs and were constantly feeding on the eggs despite the efforts of the Triggerfish to chase them away.  Sad situation, but that's part of nature's process. Anilao,Balistapus undulatus,Batangas,Geotagged,Orange-lined triggerfish,Philippines,Summer,Triggerfish

Behavior

This triggerfish is diurnal, solitary, and territorial. It can be aggressive with other fish. It erects its first dorsal spine to intimidate opponents and predators.
Orange-lined triggerfish - Balistapus undulatus  Balistapus undulatus,Fall,Geotagged,Indonesia,Orange-lined triggerfish

Habitat

It is widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. It inhabits coral reefs, lagoons and external reef slopes at depths up to 50 meters.
Hooked! :( This Orange-Lined Triggerfish - Balistapus undulatus escaped death but unfortunately, the fishing hook is stuck to its mouth.  It is unfortunate because Sipadan Island is a very remote and protected island whereby, fishing is totally not allowed, this goes to show someone has been fishing at the protected island! :( Balistapus undulatus,Fish,Malaysia,Orange-lined Triggerfish,Sabah,Sipadan,Triggerfish

Food

The orange-lined triggerfish has a varied diet based on different benthic organisms such as algae, molluscs, sponges, hard coral tips, echinoderms, and fish.

References:

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Status: Not evaluated
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderTetraodontiformes
FamilyBalistidae
GenusBalistapus
SpeciesB. undulatus