Triggerfish (Abalistes stellatus) : Classification, Morphology, habitat, reproduction

Triggerfish (Abalistes stellatus)

Scientific Classification

Kingdom                      Animalia

Phylum                       Chordata

Class                        Actinopterygii

Order                     Tetraodontiformes

Family                       Balistidae

Genus                        Abalistes

Species                    A.stellatus

Morphology

The body is in shape, longer than most other triggers with long narrow hind legs. Its maximum size is 50 cm in length.

Habitat

Abalistes stellatus live mainly in clay and mud. However, sloping areas often have distances above the surface.  Usually found in domestic banks. Adults can be found in estuaries, and young species protect the lives of their parents. Through these diverse habitats, adults reach a depth of 7 to 350.

Size

Abalistes stellatus is about 60 cm long. It has 25-27 spines (including spikes) and 24-25 rays of the anus. His body is dark gray, turned into olives, and covered with small white spots

Behavior

Most are lonely, but they do mate when they multiply. Females lay their eggs on the ground. These products include crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms.

Reproduction

This is oviparous species lay an egg then male species produce sperm to water. In these fishes, external fertilization is found. Ejaculation of sperm fertilizes the egg.[1]A new triggerfish of the genus Abalistes (Tetraodontiformes: Balistidae) from the western Pacific – The Australian Museum[2]Tan2019Singap._Biodivers._Rec.pdf (nus.edu.sg)[3]Abalistes stellatus – Wikipedia

Reviewed by:
Dr. Muhammad Khalid Mukhtar (Ph.D.)
University of Sargodha, Sargodha