Orange-lined Triggerfish Balistapus undulatus

The Orange-lined Triggerfish is native to the reefs of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. It is the only fish in its genus but is related to the Balistoides genus of the Clown and Titan Triggerfishes.

It can grow to some 30 cm long. It has strong teeth and diet is crustaceans, molluscs and other invertebrates including sea urchins which can damage reefs if not kept under control.

It is solitary and territorial. Like other triggerfish, it has a trigger mechanism to erect its front dorsal fin as a spine to deter rivals and predators.