BALISTIDAE


Melichthys indicus
(photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)


Melichthys indicus
Randall and Klausewitz, 1973
Indian Triggerfish

D III + 31-35; A 27-30; P1 14-16.

Scales enlarged above pectoral-fin base and just behind gill opening to form a flexible tympanum. A groove in front of eye. Mouth terminal. Color: body dark brown, the posterior half of body with many longitudinal narrow yellow lines; soft dorsal and anal fins black with a white band at base; caudal fin black with a white margin; pectoral fins gray to gray-brown; narrow blue bands radiating from eye. Size: maximum 25 cm. Distribution: East Africa to Maldives, including Red Sea. Remarks: occurring in steep outer slopes of coral reefs to depths of 35 m.