Queen Triggerfish

Physical Characteristics

Oval-shaped, laterally compressed body with distinctive long trailing filaments on the dorsal and caudal fins. It features vibrant blue, purple, and green patterns, including two prominent blue stripes on the face extending from the snout to the pectoral fin base. It has a small, strong mouth with specialized teeth for crushing hard shells and a 'trigger' dorsal spine used for protection.

Habitat & Distribution

Found in the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to southeastern Brazil, primarily in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. It inhabits coral and rocky reefs, as well as seagrass beds, typically at depths of 3 to 30 meters, though it can go as deep as 275 meters.

Size & Weight

Typically reaches lengths of 30 cm to 50 cm, with a maximum recorded length of 60 cm. They can weigh up to 5.4 kg.

Similar Looking Species

Gray Triggerfish (Balistes capriscus), which lacks the vibrant blue coloring and trailing fin filaments, and the Ocean Triggerfish (Canthidermis sufflamen), which is more uniform in color and lacks facial stripes.

Ecological Role

Functions as an important predator on reefs by controlling the populations of sea urchins and other benthic invertebrates. Its conservation status is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to habitat degradation and slow population recovery rates.

Identified on: 2/21/2026

Mode: Standard