Queen Triggerfish Identification Guide

Key identification features

• Elongated, laterally compressed body reaching about 50 cm (20 in)
• Blue-green base color overlaid with yellow to orange curved bands radiating from the eye across the cheek
• Bright blue lips and fine blue lines outlining the fins
• Elongated trailing filaments on the upper and lower tail fin lobes in adults, giving a crescent-shaped tail
• Small, independently erectile "trigger" spine on the first dorsal fin

Common look-alikes

• Ocean triggerfish (Canthidermis sufflamen): lacks the bright radiating facial bands, appearing more uniformly gray-blue with a plainer, less patterned face overall.
• Black durgon (Melichthys niger): dark, nearly black body without any of the Queen's colorful facial striping or tail filaments.

Where you'll see one

Found throughout the western Atlantic and Caribbean on coral reefs, rocky ledges, and adjacent sand or rubble areas from shallow water down to about 30 m. It is usually seen alone or in loose pairs, often hovering near reef structure while picking at sea urchins, crabs, and other invertebrates.