Lactophrys trigonus

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Buffalo Trunkfish

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Massachusetts to Brazil.

Size: 22 inches (55 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits seagrass beds, coral rubble and offshore reefs and usually found at depths between 6 – 150 feet (2 – 45 m) where it feeds on benthic invertebrates, crustaceans, algae/sea weed, sea squirts, urchins, starfishes, cucumbers, crabs, brittle stars, sponges and worms.

General Husbandry: Not normally collected for the trade.

Taxonomy:

Order: Tetraodontiformes

Suborder: Tetraodontoidei

Family: Ostraciidae

Genus: Lactophrys

FYI: Shown here for identification only.

When excited or threatened can release a toxin (ostracitoxin) that may kill other fish.