TRUNKFISH
OSTRACIIDAE
Buffalo Trunkfish
Lactophrys trigonus
    Ecological Descriptors
Habitat Size (cm) Diet Behaviour Sex 
S, Co, R 55 Mol, Cru, Wor, Tun, Veg I, Sh F/PGH?
 
 
Description:
Adult: Body oblong, with an obvious
hump on back. Green to tan, with a dark-edged honeycomb pattern. Long caudal peduncle. Small adults have 2 blackish oblique chain-like marks - 1 behind and above the pectoral base, the other about mid-side.
Juvenile: Orange to lime green. Nape and upper body with scattered small white ringed,
dark spots, those spots darker in 2 areas above pectoral and at mid-body.

Ecology
Inhabits seagrass beds, coral rubble areas, and offshore reefs from 2 to 50 m. It feeds on a wide variety of small benthic invertebrates such as molluscs, crustaceans, worms and sessile tunicates, as well as some seagrasses.
These fish have been observed in groups as large as 23. Pahutoxin (formerly ostracitoxin) is produced in the skin as a defence against predators.
Their body consists of a bony carapace which prevents flexion. Due to this rigid body, members of this family propel themselves primarily using dorsal and anal fins (plus pectoral) , a characteristic appearance termed as 'ostraciform' swimming. However, they can use the caudal fin fpr bursts of speed if necessary.

Life Cycle
Little known about the offspring of the buffalo trunkfish. Its general shape appears much flatter and circular than the elongated adult.
Buffalo Trunkfish
Buffalo Trunkfish
Buffalo Trunkfish Juvenile
Buffalo Trunkfish Juvenile
(C) Carlos & Allison Estape
(C) Kevin Bryant
(C) Kevin Bryant
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