Balistapus undulatus (Park. 1797)

English Name: Orangestriped triggerfish
Family: BALISTIDAE
Local Name: Dhaifuku rondu
Order:
Tetraodontiforrnes
Size: Max. 30 cm
Specimen:
MRS/0349/89




Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 3 spines and 24-28 rays. Anal fin with 20-24 rays. Pectoral fin with 12-14 rays. Third dorsal spine of moderate length (not minute). No groove in front of eye. Second dorsal and anal fins not elevated anteriorly. Caudal fin slightly rounded.

Colour: Dark greeny brown with bright orange lines. Adult male with no bands on dark snout.

Habitat and Biology: Occurs in a variety of habitats on reef flat and reef edge. Extremely varied diet: live corals, benthic algae, sea urchins, crustaceans, other benthic invertebrates and also small fishes.

Distribution: Indo-Pacific.

Remarks: Ba/istapus undu/atus is a common inhabitant of the Maldivian reefs. It is an interesting naquarium fish.