Description:

Dorsal spines: 3; Dorsal rays: 24-26; Anal spines: 0; Anal rays: 22-24.

Very distinctive contrasting pattern of colouration but actual colours can vary. Body is heavily scaled. The Scales have dark centres but size of dark centre varies over 
pale background that varies from white to yellow or orange. Hence body can appear dark with fine interstitial network of the paler colour or can appear white, yellow or 
orange with black patch on scales – typically darker dorsally. There is a black region with small yellow spots covering the eyes and extending to the pectoral fin bases. 
The dorsal, pectoral and anal fins have black margins. There is a naked area around the mouth with a black moustache bordered in white. Large white area below the mouth 
covering chin and throat.  Deep grove before the eye. About five rows of spines on the caudal peduncle.
 

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 75cm TL. Largest species of triggerfish.

Lagoons, seaward reefs and sheltered inner reef slopes (depth 1-50m). Adults occur singly or in pairs. Juveniles often associated with isolated patches of branching coral 
or rubble in protected shallow sandy areas. Feed on sea urchins, coral, crabs and other crustaceans, molluscs and tube worms. Females renowned for aggressive behaviour 
when nest guarding and their strong teeth can inflict a painful injury.
 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in the hand line fishery, but is a rare component of the catch. Juveniles are occasionally 
caught in the trap fishery. 
 

Bray, D.J. Balistoides viridescens in Fishes of Australia, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/762 (31/10/18). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Eds. (2018). FishBase https://www.fishbase.de/summary/balistoides-viridescens  (30/10/18)
McGrouther, M. (2013). Titan Triggerfish, Balistoides viridescens. Australian Museum. https://australianmuseum.net.au/titan-triggerfish-balistoides-viridescens-bloch-schneider-1801 (31/10/18).

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019).  Balistoides viridescens, Titan triggerfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/balistoides-viridescens-bloch-schneider-1801/ (edited 18/06/22).