Orangeside Triggerfish or Filescale Triggerfish
Taxi, Cochino
(Sufflamen verres)

Orangeside Triggerfish or Filescale Triggerfish, Sufflamen verres: The Orangeside Triggerfish (or Fileskin Triggerfish) is characterized by its shape and brownish-gray body with the males having a large distinct orange blotch that extends along their lower sides. The females are the same size and shape but without orange coloration. They have fine, small scales and a deep rounded body.

The Orangeside Triggerfish is also known as the Filescale Triggerfish (as opposed to the common Finescale Triggerfish, Balistes polylepis) because its skin is similar to a rasp which when rubbed in one direction feels quite rough and in the other quite smooth.

The Orangeside Triggerfish inhabits rocky reefs and slopes with boulders adjacent to sand. It feeds on small crustaceans, sea urchins, and worms.

This fish species cannot be easily confused with any other due to its body coloration. They reach a length of approximately 14 inches and up to 3 pounds and on light tackle can be a strong foe.

They are found in the first 100 feet of the water column and are accessible from the beach.

The Orangeside Triggerfish is the most abundant and aggressive member of a group of bizarre looking fish of the family Balistidae or Triggerfish Family.

Distribution in Mexico fishing areas

In Mexican fishing waters , the Orangeside Triggerfish is found in all waters south of Magdalena Bay Bay on the Pacific, in the lower two-thirds of the Sea of Cortez, and around all of the oceanic islands.

Orangeside Triggerfish picture 1

Orangeside or Fileskin Triggerfish, Sufflamen verres: Adult. The most abundant and aggressive fish in the Sea of Cortez! Can be caught while fishing off the bottom with live sardinas or cut bonito as bait, from either shore or far out at sea to depths up to 100 feet. Comes in two flavors, the classic orangeside and the juvenile form that is less strongly colored. Size to approximately 14 inches and 3 pounds. And beware of THE CHOMP when trying to remove a hook, truly lethal! Viewed by locals as poor table fare and the vast majority are released (unless exceedingly large and the fish box is empty). A great prey when you're getting skunked. However, at times Orangeside Triggerfish can also become a major pest since they are classic nibblers and excellent bait stealers! Can be caught at the level of 50 per day per rod during certain periods of the year if they are the focus species. Description and photo courtesy John Snow.

Orangeside Triggerfish picture 2

Orangeside or Fileskin Triggerfish, Sufflamen verres: Juvenile color variation. Photo courtesy John Snow.

Orangeside Triggerfish picture 3

Orangeside Triggerfish picture 4

Orangeside Triggerfish, Sufflamen verres: A rare “pugheaded” fish thought to be a genetic variation. Length 7 inches. Photo courtesy of John Snow.

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Orangeside or Fileskin Triggerfish, Sufflamen verres: Caught while fishing at Las Arenas, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photo by Gene Kira.

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