---
title: Largescale Triggerfish (Canthidermis macrolepis)
scientific_name: Canthidermis macrolepis
common_name: Largescale Triggerfish
taxon: Triggerfishes
published: 2024-01-01T22:49:20.616Z
updated: 2026-08-13T09:51:23.969Z
tags: Largescale Triggerfish, Canthidermis macrolepis, Triggerfishes, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/triggerfishes/largescale-triggerfish
---

# Largescale Triggerfish (*Canthidermis macrolepis*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Triggerfishes (*Balistidae*)
- **Size:** 60 cm
- **Depth:** 1-30 m

Largescale Triggerfish (Canthiderms macrolepis). The body is elongated, with a gray color and dark pectoral fins and eyes. Juveniles have an oval shape with light spots. These fish are pelagic and can be found near floating objects, typically at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. They often venture onto steep slopes of coral reefs or pinnacles to build nests in the sand. Male triggerfish guard the eggs and may also protect the hatched larvae. They are solitary and easily startled. Largescale Triggerfish are native to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

## Also known as

- **English:** Largescale Triggerfish, Large-scale Triggerfish
- **Spanish:** Ballesta escamoso
- **Portuguese:** Cangulo-de-escamas-grandes
- **Japanese:** ボウズモンガラ, Bozumongara
- **Russian:** Крупночешуйный океанский спинорог
- **CA:** Ballesta escamosa
- **GL:** Peixe porco escamoso

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/triggerfishes/largescale-triggerfish)*
*Updated: August 13, 2026*