Sealife guideThe titan triggerfishBalistoides viridescens
Last updated on 09/04/2025 at 10:41 PM
Taxonomy
English names
Titan triggerfishBlue-finned triggerfish
French namesBaliste titanBaliste olivâtreBaliste à moustaches
Spanish namesPez ballesta titan
Scientific nameBalistoides viridescens (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
FamilyBalistidae
OrderTetraodontiformes
ClassActinopterygii
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
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 triggerfishMelichthys niger

Orange striped triggerfishBalistapus undulatus

Picasso triggerfishRhinecanthus aculeatus

Queen triggerfishBalistes vetula

Redtooth triggerfishOdonus niger

Sargassum triggerfishXanthichthys ringens

Wedgetail triggerfishRhinecanthus rectangulus

Yellow-spotted triggerfishPseudobalistes fuscus
Discover also
Our latestUpdates

Major movesThe 2026 Route du Rhum enters a decisive phase as Tom Laperche extends his lead in the Ultim class, Armel Le Cléac'h capsizes, and Class40 skippers prepare to face a powerful weather front.Read more

A tough startThe 2026 Route du Rhum gets off to an intense start, with major technical failures, Francis Joyon's capsize, impressive speeds and strategic route choices near the Azores. A look back at the first 48 hours of racing.Read more

A smooth start, an uncertain AtlanticDiscover the 2026 Route du Rhum start off Saint-Malo, where favorable initial conditions contrast with an uncertain Atlantic crossing shaped by changing winds and weather.Read more
Photo of the Day

Poisson lime à taches orange
(Oxymonacanthus longirostris)
(Oxymonacanthus longirostris)








