The Odunus niger, the most common Maldivian triggerfish, can often be seen swimming in large groups above the reef slope. When threatened, they take refuge in small crevices, with only their turquoise scissor-like tail visible.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 40 cm
color
Body deep blue, sometimes very dark, or brownish, or greenish, Teeth red.
order
Tetraodontiformes
family
Balistidae
image url
https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/odonus-niger.png
habitat and biology
Located on the uppermost section of the seaward reef, just below the reef edge, this organism primarily feeds on zooplankton and sponges.
distinctive characters
The dorsal fin has three spines and 33-36 rays, the anal fin has 28-31 rays, the pectoral fin has 14-15 rays, the cheeks are scaled, and the margins of the soft dorsal and anal fins are distinctly concave. The caudal fin is lunate, with the lobes greatly prolonged in adults.