Balistes vetula

Balistes vetula
Queen Triggerfish – Balistes vetula
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
BalistidaeBalistes vetulaLinnaeus1758Queen Triggerfish

Balistes vetula

Unique Characters: Two curved, conspicuous blue lines on cheek from above mouth to below the region in front of pectoral-fin base. Fins with blue margins. Series of dark lines radiate from the eyes. Scales above pectoral-fin base and just behind gill slit much enlarged and partially separate, forming a flexible tympanu. Dorsal-fin rays 29-31 (usually 30). Anal-fin rays 27 or 28.

Similar Species: Gray Triggerfish Balistes capriscus. Body olive-gray with irregular bars on sides. Blue spots and short blue lines in fins and upper body. No conspicuous blue or dark lines or bands on head. Scales above pectoral-fin base and just behind gill slit much enlarged and partially separate, forming a flexible tympanu. Dorsal-fin rays 26-29 (usually 27 or 28). Anal-fin rays 23-26 (usually 24 or 25).

Balistes capriscus
Gray Triggerfish – Balistes capriscus

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