Redtooth Triggerfish

Odonus niger

Redtooth triggerfish (Odonus niger) is a reef-associated triggerfish of the Indo-Pacific, often seen in small groups over outer reef slopes and lagoons. It feeds mainly on plankton and tiny crustaceans, making it less targeted by anglers than larger reef fish.

Saltwater

Redtooth Triggerfish reference image — Diego Delso, cc-by-sa, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Deep, laterally compressed triggerfish body with a small mouth
Bright red to orange/red teeth visible at the front of the jaws
Usually bluish-gray to dark body with paler underside and a pale tail edge

Habitat

Coral reefs, reef slopes, lagoon drop-offs, and outer reef channels in clear tropical saltwater, usually in midwater above structure or along current edges.

Bait notes

Rarely a primary sport target; if hooked, small pieces of shrimp, squid, or cut bait may take it, and tiny sabiki-style flies or small jigged teasers can attract it while targeting reef baitfish.

Behavior

A diurnal, schooling planktivore that often forms loose aggregations and picks zooplankton from the water column. It is generally wary near structure but can feed boldly in current over reefs.

Caution

Reef fish consumption can carry ciguatera risk in some tropical areas; local advisories matter more than species alone. Spines and trigger mechanism can pinch or cut fingers when handling.

Fishing notes

Best encountered incidentally while fishing reef edges or current seams. Light tackle and small hooks help when using bait; for observation or photos, use slow retrieves near the surface or midwater over reef drops.