Balistapus undulatus

Common Name: Undulate Triggerfish
Undulate Triggerfish
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Common Names:
  • Ampapagot (Visayan)
  • Ayam laut (Malay/Indonesian)
  • Baliste ondule (French)
  • Bbulefalemegisho (Woleaian)
  • Bucho (Tobian)
  • Daiyfuku rondu (Dhiveli)
  • Jebong (Malay/Indonesian)
  • Kumadori (Japanese)
  • Orange-lined triggerfish (English)
  • Orange-striped triggerfish (English)
  • Papakol (Tagalog)
  • Porco undulado (Portuguese)
  • Ppwukurow (Satawalese Carolinian)
  • Puggot (Maranao/Samal/Tao Sug)
  • Red-lined triggerfish (English)
  • Rogatnica kolczasta (Polish)
  • Undulate triggerfish (English)
  • Vermiculated triggerfish (English)
Scientific Synonyms:
  • Balistapus undulatus (Park 1797)

Distribution : Widespread throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific (except Hawaii), to South Africa. Occurs in coral-rich areas of deep lagoon and seaward reefs from the lower surge zone to at least 50 m.

Size : Grows to about 30 cm in length

Description: Highly decorative, the basic body colouration of the Undulate Triggerfish is a dark olive green. Many curved orange or red lines drop vertically from the dorsal surface and sweep rearwards to the caudal peduncle. The face is edged with a row of small orange or red spots and the powerful, terminal jaws are emphasised by strong red lines - outlined in pale blue - reaching to the base of the pectoral fins. The fleshy base of the pectoral fins is covered with small orange or red dots, whilst the fins are clear, having yellow rays. The second dorsal, and anal fins are also clear with yellow rays, being edged with pale blue close to the body. The large and fleshy caudal peduncle has several large spines arranged in two horizontal black rows. Indian ocean variants have orange caudal fins, whilst in the Pacific these fins are green, with orange or yellow rays.

Diet : Feeds on a variety of benthic organisms: algae, echinoderms, fishes, molluscs, tunicates, sponges, and hydrozoans.

Comments : First described by the Scottish explorer Mungo Park in 1797, the Undulate Triggerfish has a highly territorial nature and a reputation as one of the most aggressive of the triggerfish family. Despite this it is a popular aquarium species due to its decorative colouration, and its dominant, semi-tame character. Eggs are laid as one cluster in a shallow excavation on sand or rubble along channels. Marketed as a food fish both fresh and dried-salted.