orange-lined triggerfish

The orange-lined triggerfish is a fish that can reach up to 30 centimeters in length. It is easily recognizable thanks to its very distinctive coloration. It has a flat, trapezoidal body covered in large scales.

Its coloration is mainly greenish or brown, with several diagonal orange lines running across its body. These lines are absent on the cheeks of adult individuals. 

The slightly rounded caudal fin is also orange, and a large round black spot covers most of its base.

Like other triggerfish, it has a dorsal fin on its back that is formed of three spines. The first one, long and sharp, can be locked in a vertical position, even after the fish's death. This mechanism is used as a deterrent for predators but can also be used to sleep peacefully in narrow cavities, where it unfolds its fin to avoid being carried by currents.
The second dorsal fin is symmetrical to the anal fin, while the pelvic fins form a single spine.

Two black lines formed by the scales covering the body are visible on the caudal peduncle, these lines have small spines.

Compared to the rest of its body, it has a small mouth with sharp teeth that allow it to break the shells of its prey.

The orange-lined triggerfish is a rather solitary fish that is rarely found in groups.

It is a territorial species, generally of rather calm temperament, although it can be aggressive towards other species, especially during the breeding season. 

These hunters mainly feed on various benthic organisms such as algae, mollusks, crustaceans, sponges, other fish, and sea urchins.

At night, they sleep in crevices and cavities, where they block themselves by raising their dorsal fin.

The orange-lined triggerfish is an ovoviviparous fish. The male descends to the bottom, bends its body laterally by beating its dorsal and caudal fins to dig a nest in the sand.

The eggs are deposited in the nest, in a single spongy cluster. The spawning is guarded until hatching by one or sometimes both adults. Hatching occurs during the night.