Flat-nailed triggerfish

Abalistes stellatus

Not Evaluated Saltwater

Max Length

60.0 cm

Color

Pale grayish-brown to tan body …

Depth Range

7-350m

Family

Balistidae

About

A robust Indo-Pacific triggerfish (up to 60cm) with a flattened body, pale grey coloring, and distinctive dark fin margins. Found on sandy substrates in shallow coastal waters and lagoons. Feeds on sea urchins, molluscs, and crustaceans.

Physical Description

Measurement	Value
Maximum Length	60.0 cm
Depth Range	7-350m

Coloration

Pale grayish-brown to tan body marked with a scattering of distinct black-edged white spots across the dorsal surface; belly whitish; lower flanks with small dark speckling; dorsal and caudal fins dusky.

Habitat & Distribution

Neritic, demersal, coral reefs

Water Type

Saltwater

Depth Range

7-350m

Geographic Range

Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea and East African coast east through the Indian Ocean to Japan, the Philippines, and northern Australia. Inhabits sandy and silty substrates on continental and insular shelves to 100 m depth.

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Edibility & Culinary

Taste

Edible triggerfish with firm, white flesh and mild flavor; consumed in parts of the Indo-Pacific as a secondary food fish. Skin is tough and must be removed before cooking.

Taxonomy

Order	Tetraodontiformes (Pufferfish and allies)
Family	Balistidae (Triggerfishes)
Species	Abalistes stellatus

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you eat Flat-nailed triggerfish?

Edible triggerfish with firm, white flesh and mild flavor; consumed in parts of the Indo-Pacific as a secondary food fish. Skin is tough and must be removed before cooking.

How big does Flat-nailed triggerfish get?

Flat-nailed triggerfish can grow up to 60.0 cm long.

Where is Flat-nailed triggerfish found?

What family does Flat-nailed triggerfish belong to?

Flat-nailed triggerfish (Abalistes stellatus) belongs to the family Balistidae (Triggerfishes) in the order Tetraodontiformes (Pufferfish and allies).