Marine Life

Ocean triggerfish

Oivaali rondu

Canthidermis maculatus

Unlike other triggerfishes, Canthidermis maculatus is most often encountered offshore, where it is frequently associated with drifting flotsam. Therefore, it is often seen by Maldivian fishermen, although there is no local market for this species, so it is almost never caught. C. rotundatus is a synonym.

Details

§ 01

size: Max. 50 cm
color: Adults with body and head dark, lighter below with elongate white spots that can disappear with growth. All fins dark. Small juveniles with spots not confined to ventral surface.
order: Tetraodontiformes
family: Balistidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/canthidermis-maculatus.png
habitat and biology: This species is commonly found in offshore waters, and it inhabits the epipelagic zone throughout its life. Adults and juveniles of this species are often seen in association with drifting objects.
distinctive characters: This fish has a dorsal fin with three spines and 23-27 rays, an anal fin with 20-23 rays, a pectoral fin with 14-15 rays, a terminal mouth, no enlarged scales above the pectoral fin base forming a distinct tympanum, scaled cheeks without a longitudinal groove, and a deep groove before the eye below the nostrils.