Sealife guideThe titan triggerfishBalistoides viridescens

Last updated on 09/04/2025 at 10:41 PM

Taxonomy

Common name: Titan triggerfish, blue-finned triggerfish
French name: Baliste titan, baliste olivâtre, baliste à moustaches
Spanish name: Pez ballesta titan
Scientific name: Balistoides viridescens (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Family name: Balistidae
Order name: Tetraodontiformes
Class name: Actinopterygii

Description

The titan triggerfish is the largest triggerfish you may encounter underwater, reaching a maximum size of about 30 inches. The titan triggerfish has an oval-shaped body with a predominantly green coloration. The tip of its body and the base of its tail display a whitish area.

The titan triggerfish is the largest triggerfish you are likely to encounter underwater

The titan triggerfish has a black line just above its mouth that resembles a mustache. The titan triggerfish has spines on the first of its dorsal fins, which is normally folded down and large teeth at the front of its mouth.

Geographic range

The titan triggerfish can be found in the Maldives, southern Asia, east Africa, the Red sea and the central Pacific ocean.

Habitat

The titan triggerfish can be found from the surface down to about 165 feet deep. It frequents reef areas and lagoon waters.

Diet

The titan triggerfish feeds on mollusks, crustaceans and even sea urchins.

Reproduction

During the breeding season, the titan triggerfish builds its nest in coral debris or sand. The female lays her eggs in the nest and both parents fiercely protect them from any predators that come too close.

Did you know ?

The titan triggerfish has extremely strong jaws that allow it to crush shells or even break coral to reach its food.

The titan triggerfish is listed as many other marine species within The IUCN Red List of threatened species. The titan triggerfish appears in the IUCN Red List since 2022 within the category Least Concern !

Tips for observing

Be careful not to get too close to the titan triggerfish's nesting area during the breeding season, as it vigorously defends its nest. It will not hesitate to deliver painful bites to any intruder who ventures too near !

The titan triggerfish has an oval-shaped body with a predominantly green coloration © Izanbar | Dreamstime.com

Within the same family

Black triggerfish
(Melichthys niger)

Ocean triggerfish
(Canthidermis sufflamen)

Picasso triggerfish
(Rhinecanthus aculeatus)

Queen triggerfish
(Balistes vetula)

Redtooth triggerfish
(Odonus niger)

Sargassum triggerfish
(Xanthichthys ringens)

Wedgetail triggerfish
(Rhinecanthus rectangulus)

Yellowmargin triggerfish
(Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus)

Discover also

Australian spiny gurnard
(Lepidotrigla papilio)

Doctorfish
(Acanthurus chirurgus)

Dusky grouper
(Epinephelus marginatus)

Great blue spotted mudskipper
(Boleophthalmus pectinirostris)

Mexican barracuda
(Sphyraena ensis)

Mutton snapper
(Lutjanus analis)

Princess parrotfish
(Scarus taeniopterus)

Sheepshead
(Archosargus probatocephalus)

Our latestUpdates

Friday, November 28th 2025

Disney Hollywood Studios, from Star Wars to Toy Story

Dive into the magical world of Disney's Hollywood Studios: Star Wars and Toy Story attractions and shows for the whole family.

Wednesday, November 19th 2025

Tenerife island

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary islands, is a volcanic gem in the Atlantic ocean. It boasts an incredible variety of landscapes, from golden or black sand beaches to the subtropical forests of the Anaga mountains and the majestic Teide volcano, Spain's highest peak. With its picturesque villages, rich local culture and countless outdoor activities, Tenerife is a perfect destination for every type of traveler.

Saturday, November 15th 2025

Batz island

Located in the English Channel off the northern coast of Brittany, just a few kilometers from the town of Roscoff, Batz island is a true little haven of peace where you can enjoy its wild landscapes, unspoiled beaches and historical heritage.

Photo of the Day

Gobie splendide
(Amblyeleotris wheeleri)