Melichthys indicus

(Randall & Klausewitz, 1973)

Vernacular names
English : Indian triggerfish
French : Baliste à nageoires noires

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Tetraodontiformes
Family : Balistidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
This species grows to 25 cm in length. Coloration olive-grey to black with golden to white dots on flank scales forming thin lines on rear half of body. Clear lines around eyes and cheeks. White dorsal and anal fin base. White tail fin edges.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indian Ocean, from Red Sea and east Africa to western Thailand, Andaman islands and Sumatra. Lives in coral-rich seaward reef slopes, down to 30 meters deep.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species could be declining locally because of habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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