Black Durgon

Melichthys niger

Maximum Size:

20 in (50 cm)

Longevity:

Around 5 years

Typical depth:

0–246 ft (0–75 m)

Behavior:

The black durgon is most common on outer bank reef crests, particularly near drop-offs. They typically form loose aggregations that may number as many as 200 individuals. They feed on plant and animal plankton that drift in the water, as well as on reef algae.

Predators:

Grouper, Snapper, moray eels and barracuda.

Did you know?

Black durgons are unusual in that they are a circumtropical species, meaning they are found in all tropical waters, throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the East and West Atlantic. In other parts of the world, this species is known as the black triggerfish.