With powerful teeth and enough strength to shift stones, this large triggerfish makes its own way to a meal.
- Local names
- 'O'iri pa'o
- Where it occurs
- The guide describes titan triggerfish as common around Tetiaroa.
About this species
One of the largest triggerfishes, it is reported in the guide to reach about 85 cm. Large, clearly outlined scales cover a greenish body, with yellow around the head and paler areas near the throat and tail base.
Strong teeth tackle corals, crustaceans, molluscs and echinoderms, including crown-of-thorns sea stars with their venomous spines. It can move substantial stones to uncover prey.
Usually alone and close to a retreat, it is common at Tetiaroa, occurring in lagoons, passes and on outer slopes at roughly 1–50 m. A strong dorsal spine can lock the fish into a crevice or be raised in a threat display.
When guarding a nest, it can defend the area forcefully and bite swimmers who approach too closely.
- Guide des poissons de Tahiti et ses îles, Indo-Pacific Fish conference Tahiti 2017, P. Bachet, T. Zysman, Y. Lefèvre, Au vent des îles
- DORIS - Balistoides viridescens
- FishBase - Balistoides viridescens
