Odonus niger
35cm
5-110m
10 sites
Balistidae
Imagine descending onto a vibrant coral reef and encountering a school of sleek, dark fish with striking blue highlights – you've likely spotted the Redtooth Triggerfish (Odonus niger)! These charismatic fish are a common sight on many Indo-Pacific reefs, adding a touch of elegance and intrigue to the underwater landscape. Reaching up to 50cm, they're often seen in groups, gracefully navigating the reef structure. Keep an eye out for their distinctive red teeth, which are visible even when their mouths are closed, giving them their memorable name. Divers often encounter Redtooth Triggerfish around areas with strong currents, where they feed on plankton and invertebrates swept along in the flow. They are particularly abundant in the Indian Ocean, around Japan and Korea, on the Great Barrier Reef, and in the Red Sea. Observing a school of these fish filter-feeding in a current is a truly captivating experience. Their shimmering blue accents and synchronized movements create a mesmerizing spectacle for any underwater enthusiast.
The Redtooth Triggerfish is easily identified by its deep blue to black body, often appearing almost iridescent underwater. Look for the bright blue lines that accentuate its fins and edges of its body. Its most distinctive feature is, of course, its bright red teeth, which are visible even when its mouth is closed. The overall body shape is elongated and somewhat compressed laterally, typical of triggerfish, and it has a characteristic triggerfish dorsal fin.
Wedgetail Triggerfish
247 sites
