Flagtail Triggerfish

Sufflamen chrysopterum

Flagtail Triggerfish is a reef-associated triggerfish of the Indo-Pacific that uses rubble slopes and outer reef drop-offs, where it grazes hard-shelled prey. It is not a major game fish; anglers target it only incidentally or for reef fishing interest.

Saltwater

Flagtail Triggerfish reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Yellow tail fin with a dark or black margin, the flagtail mark that gives the species its name
Brown to olive body with a pale to whitish underside and a triggerfish-shaped, deep compressed profile
Small mouth and strong snout, with a prominent first dorsal spine typical of triggerfish

Habitat

Coral and rocky reefs, reef flats, lagoon edges, and drop-offs with rubble, sand patches, and bommies in tropical Indo-Pacific waters; usually close to structure and the bottom.

Bait notes

Small pieces of shrimp, squid, crab, cut shellfish, and reef fish strips work best; small bottom jigs and baited micro-hooks can take it when it is actively feeding.

Behavior

Diurnal and territorial, often patrolling reef structure and feeding on crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and other benthic invertebrates by crushing them with strong jaws and teeth.

Caution

Sharp dorsal spine and trigger mechanism can injure handlers; handle with care and avoid forcing the first spine up. Reef fish from tropical areas can carry ciguatera risk depending on local conditions.

Fishing notes

Fish light but abrasion-resistant tackle near reef edges, bommies, and rubble pockets; present bait close to the bottom and be ready to pull fish clear of structure quickly.