Pseudobalistes fuscus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

Taxonomy and Size

Pseudobalistes fuscus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) is a fish species where males can reach a length of 55 centimetres (22 inches).

Adult Coloration

Adult individuals have primarily brown bodies, with yellow margins on their fins.

Juvenile Coloration

Juveniles are yellowish brown and marked with a network of bright bluish wavy lines, which become interconnected as the fish grows.

Behavior

This species is known to be aggressive, and many divers avoid it because it bites frequently.

Distribution

It is widespread across the Tropical Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Red Sea to South Africa, the Society Islands, southern Japan, Australia, and New Caledonia.

Habitat and Depth Range

This is a reef-associated species that prefers coastal waters, shallow lagoons, and seaward reefs, found at depths between 30 and 50 metres (98 to 164 feet).