Pi272 Balistoides viridescens (Titan triggerfish)
Phylum : Chordata
Class : Teleostei
Order : Tetraodontiformes
Family : Balistidae
Genus : Balistoides
Species : Balistoides viridescens
Fish has a deep grove before eye; scaleless area around lips, continuing and narrowing posterior to corner of mouth; small forward-curving spines in about five rows on side of and a short distance anterior to caudal peduncle. Caudal peduncle compressed.
Juveniles often associated with isolated patches of branching coral or rubble of shallow sandy protected areas. Adults occur singly or in pairs on the slopes of deep lagoon or seaward reefs. Often hostile towards divers and may attack unprovoked when caring for eggs. Feed on sea urchins, coral, crabs and other crustaceans, mollusks and tube worms. Oviparous. Largest triggerfish; females are reported to have attacked divers when guarding their nest
IUCN Status: Least concern
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