Xanthichthys auromarginatus


Gilded triggerfish
Characteristic features:
Colour:

Head and body greyish; horizontal lines somtimes on cheek; pale spots forming longitudinal rows on body. Males with a distinct large blue blotch from mouth to near pectoral fin and margins of soft dorsal, anal and caudal fin yellow.

Size:

Up to 30 cm TL.

Distribution:

Indo-Pacific in tropical waters.

Habitat:

Reed associated, to 150 m depth.

Biology:

Feeds on zooplankton. Occurs in small loose groups.

Indonesian fisheries:

Caught by drive-in nets.

Similar species:

A distinct species easily identifiable by having grey colouration with pale spots forming longitudinal rows on body. Males have a distinct large blue blotch on the lower portion of head and margins of soft dorsal, anal and caudal fin yellow.

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