Canthidermis sufflamen

[3] The ocean triggerfish has a wide range and is considered a common to uncommon inhabitant of waters off of Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean islands.

Its range extends as far north as Massachusetts, as far south as Brazil, westward to the Gulf of Mexico, and eastward to Bermuda and the Portuguese island of Madeira.

[5] According to meristic data in a 2003 NOAA Technical Memorandum, the ocean triggerfish has seven precaudal and eleven caudal vertebrae, for a total vertebral count of eighteen.

[6] This species is considered extremely useful for ecosystem management in the Canary Islands because it preys on sea urchins (Diadema aff.

[1] The ocean triggerfish is a common food species in several areas, including the Caribbean and the island of Madeira.

An ocean triggerfish, Canthidermis sufflamen, on display at the New England Aquarium in October 2023. This is a gray, oval-shaped fish, typically between 10-18" in length, with a distinctive black spot at the base of its pectoral fin.
An ocean triggerfish, Canthidermis sufflamen , on display at the New England Aquarium in October 2023. Note the distinguishing black mark at the base of the pectoral fin.
The gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus, is similar in color to the ocean triggerfish but lacks a characteristic black marking at the base of its pectoral fins. (Image credit NOAA Fisheries)
The gray triggerfish, Balistes capriscus , is similar in color to the ocean triggerfish but lacks a characteristic black marking at the base of its pectoral fins.