| Balistes vetula | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Tetraodontiformes |
| Family: | Balistidae |
| Genus: | Balistes |
| Species: | B. vetula |
| Binomial name | |
| Balistes vetula Linnaeus, 1758 |
|
Balistes vetula, also known as the queen triggerfish, is a reef dwelling fish of the Atlantic Ocean. It is occasionally caught as a gamefish, and sometimes kept in marine aquaria.
Contents |
It is a large fish that reaches 60cm in length. It is typically brown with blue lines on its fins and head. It can change colour somewhat to match its surroundings, or if subjected to stress.
The queen triggerfish is found on coral rubble, tops of reefs and in grassy areas, normally at depths of 3-20 M. It preys on a variety of invertebrates, notably sea urchins. It is reasonably common throughout the subtropical and tropical western Atlantic, from Trinidad west to Texas north to the Bahamas.[1]
As one of the largest and most aggressive of the triggerfish, this fish is rarely a good choice as a resident in a marine aquarium. It is however a hardy fish for those who can provide it with a proper environment. Because it grows so large and so quickly the ideal aquarium for this fish is a 500 gallon aquarium. Although some sources argue it can be kept in as little a tank as 125 gallons, when it achieves its adult size of two feet it is unlikely to thrive.
Its diet consists of invertebrates. In aquariums shrimp, squid, clams, octopus, scallops, and crab are all good choices of food.
This fish is called cochino in Cuba,[2] and this is the probable origin of the name Bahía de Cochinos, which is known as the Bay of Pigs in English.