ANIMAL SPECIES:Orange-lined Triggerfish, Balistapus undulatus (Park, 1797)
The Orange-lined Triggerfish can be recognised by its distinctive colouration. It is dark green, brown or greyish with diagonal orange to yellow lines on the body. There is a large black blotch on the caudal peduncle.
Identification
The Orange-lined Triggerfish can be recognised by its distinctive colouration. It is dark green, brown or greyish with diagonal orange to yellow lines on the body. There is a large black blotch on the caudal peduncle.
Size range
The species grows to 30 cm in length.Distribution
The Orange-lined Triggerfish occurs in tropical marine waters of the Indo-Pacific.
In Australia it is known from north-western Western Australia and the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.
Habitat
The species is found on coral reefs.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
It eats a wide range of food items. This includes live coral, algae, sea urchins, crabs, molluscs and other invertebrate groups as well a fishes and tunicates.
Classification
- Species:
- undulatus
- Genus:
- Balistapus
- Family:
- Balistidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
- Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
- Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
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An Orange-lined Triggerfish at 'Steve's Bommie' View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
An Orange-lined Triggerfish at Challenger Bay View full size
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
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