Sufflamen
Sufflamen is a genus of marine fish in the family Balistidae, commonly known as triggerfish. These fish are characterized by their unique trigger-like mechanism in their dorsal fin, which allows them to lock their spines in an upright position as a defensive measure.
Common Names
Members of the Sufflamen genus are commonly called "triggerfish" but are also referred to as "black triggerfish," "whitespotted triggerfish," and "clown triggerfish," depending on the species.
Characteristics
Sufflamen species share several defining characteristics:
- Trigger-like Dorsal Fin: The first two spines in their dorsal fin can be locked into an upright position, making it difficult for predators to swallow them.
- Elongated Body: They have an elongated body with a slightly compressed profile.
- Large, Strong Teeth: Their mouth contains large, strong teeth that are adapted for crushing hard-shelled prey.
- Bright and Colorful Patterns: Many Sufflamen species are brightly colored, with bold patterns that can vary depending on their habitat and sex.
Environments
Triggerfish in the Sufflamen genus are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. They are typically found in coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds, where they can find shelter and forage for food.