Black triggerfish | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Tetraodontiformes |
Family: | Balistidae |
Genus: | Melichthys |
Species: | M. niger |
Binomial name | |
Melichthys niger Bloch, 1786 |
The black triggerfish, Melichthys niger, called Humuhumu'ele'ele in Hawaiian, is a blimp-shaped triggerfish with bright white lines running along its dorsal and anal fins. When in the water, it appears to be completely black. However, if it is taken out and exposed to bright light, one can see that it is actually of a dark-blue/green coloration.
These are not to be confused with their cousins, the Indian Triggerfish or Black-finned Triggerfish (Melichthys indicus), which are often mistaken as being black triggerfish within the trade. The Indian triggerfish has never been found in Hawaii, but bears a striking resemblance to the black triggerfish because of the similar shape and coloration.
Contents |
Circumtropical. Hawaii, up through Polynesia, westward to the East Indies and across the Indian Ocean. The Black triggerfish is also located around the southern coast of Africa. Although, the Black triggerfish is commonly found in the Indo Pacific and Red Sea.
This species is found in open waters, shallows, and exposed reefs, 5–35 metres (16–115 feet)
On average, 12 inches, although it can grow to be up to 18 inches.
Omnivorous. Feeds upon small fish and squid. Shrimp, zooplankton, algae, and other marine plant life.