BALISTIDAE


Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus
(photo by Mark Strickland)


Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus
(Rüppell, 1829)
Yellowmargin Triggerfish

D III + 24-27; A 23-25; P1 15-16.

Anterior part of cheek largely naked; scales enlarged above pectoral-fin base and just behind gill opening to form a flexible tympanum. Small spines in 5 or 6 rows on side of and a short distance anterior to caudal peduncle. A groove in front of eye. Color: body light grayish yellow, the scale centers darker yellowish gray, margins of soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins orangeyellow. Size: maximum 60 cm. Distribution: widespread in Indo-West Pacific, from Red Sea to Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan. Remarks: nests consist of depressions up to 2 m wide and 70 cm deep.