Lactophrys trigonus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Body Coloration

Lactophrys trigonus, commonly called the trunkfish, has small, diffuse white spots across its body. Two regions – one on the pectoral area and one halfway between the gills and the rear end of the carapace – feature dark-edged hexagonal plates, which combine to create chain-like markings.

Size and Weight

This species can grow to a length of 30–50 cm and reach a maximum weight of 3.3 kg.

Native Distribution

It is native to the Western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Canada to Brazil, and its native range also includes the Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Reports of this species occurring in the Mediterranean have not yet been verified.

Habitat and Depth Range

It lives in areas with coral rubble, seagrass beds, and offshore reefs, and it prefers habitats at depths shallower than 50 m (160 ft).

Feeding Habits

As benthic feeders, these boxfish forage for food including seagrasses, crustaceans, mollusks, worms, tunicates, and many types of small benthic invertebrates.

Human Uses

This species is a popular food across the Caribbean, and it is a minor species kept in the aquarium trade.