Home > Fishes > Triggerfishes > Melichthys niger

Updated 3/8/2014

Family Balistidae

CIRCUMTROPICAL

Melichthys niger

Juvenile, Angel Ledge, Midway, 70 feet

 

YO-257 Wreck, Oahu, 60 feet



Hanauma Bay, Oahu, 20 feet

Reef's End, Molokini, 15 feet

BLACK TRIGGERFISH or BLACK DURGON     HUMUHUMU 'ELE'ELE    Soroi-mongara

Common in large aggregations on reefs and ledges with good water circulation to 300 feet.  Feeds upon zooplankton, phytoplankton, and calcareous algae.  White line at base of dorsal & anal fins appears blue underwater.  Yellow and blue lines are displayed at will.  A skittish species except where fed by swimmers, a bad idea as they have sharp teeth.  Attains 12 inches.  Occurs in warm seas worldwide.