Hawaiian Triggerfish, Rhinecanthus aculeatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Blackbar Triggerfish, Whitebanded Triggerfish, White-barred Triggerfish, Lagoon Triggerfish
Click to enlarge image
© John Pogonoski
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Rhinecanthus
- Species
- aculeatus
- Family
- Balistidae
- Order
- Tetraodontiformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum
- Vertebrata
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 25 cm
Introduction
Despite its standard name, the Hawaiian Triggerfish has a tropical Indo-Pacific distribution.
Identification
The species can be recognised by its distinctive colouration. It is largely whitish with a dark region midlaterally. There are four white-blue stripes descending from the side of the body to that anal fin. Four blue lines cross between the eyes and there are three blue lines between the eyes and the pectoral fin bases. A yellow line enclosing a blue 'moustache' runs between the mouth and the pectoral fin base.
Habitat
Coral reefs, often in lagoon areas. In more temperate waters, the species occurs on rocky reefs.
Distribution
The Hawaiian Triggerfish occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. In Australia it is known from the central coast of Western Australia to the offshore islands of north-western Western Australia. It also occurs from the northern Great Barrier Reef south to Sydney, New South Wales.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Feeding and diet
The species feeds on algae, detritus and invertebrates.
References
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.
