Scientific name
Odonus niger (Rüppell, 1836)
Also known as red-toothed triggerfish
Morphology
This triggerfish has an oval, almost round, blue body. It has two darker blue lines on either side of its head, running from the eye to the mouth. Its characteristically small mouth contains intriguing red teeth with large incisors.
The second dorsal and ventral fins are high, and the tail is lyre-shaped with very elongated tips.
Blue triggerfish fishing grounds
This triggerfish is found in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, and as far as the Pacific in New Caledonia, Australia and southern Japan. It is also found in the Red Sea. It lives near shallow drop-offs between 5 and 40 m, as well as near reefs.
Fishing techniques
This blue triggerfish is generally fished on a longline with small baits and hooks, as you would for sea bream. You need baits adapted to its tiny mouth. One stack is enough to avoid breakage when larger fish take bait from several stacks at the same time.
Reproduction
This triggerfish reaches its adult size of around 60 cm when it is 4 or 5 months old. It digs a nest in which the females lay their eggs. The parents protect the nest from intruders, which you can see for yourself if you approach the camera while diving, as the triggerfish will not hesitate to charge and tap your lens.
Size and weight
- Legal catch size (legal minimum): none, I recommend systematic release
- Size at sexual maturity: 18 cm (7 years)
- Average size: 25 cm
- Maximum size: 50 cm (20 years)
- World record: 0.68 kg - 31.75 cm (Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, Tanzania, 31/01/2019)
Good to know
This fish is widely used in aquariums.
Admire its colors before letting it return to its element.
