---
title: Masked Triggerfish (Sufflamen fraenatum)
scientific_name: Sufflamen fraenatum
common_name: Masked Triggerfish
taxon: Triggerfishes
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-01-01T22:59:09.890Z
updated: 2026-08-07T21:02:38.985Z
tags: Masked Triggerfish, Sufflamen fraenatum, Triggerfishes, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/triggerfishes/masked-triggerfish
---

# Masked Triggerfish (*Sufflamen fraenatum*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Triggerfishes (*Balistidae*)
- **Size:** 38 cm
- **Depth:** 8-186 m
- **Reproduction:** Egg layer
- **Hazard:** Dangerous
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

The Masked triggerfish (Sufflamen fraenatum), also known as the Bridled triggerfish, is a species commonly observed in coastal reefs and lagoons. They inhabit a wide range of depths, from 8 to 186 meters.

It can be found from the Red Sea (occasionally) and Oman (frequently) to French Polynesia, and extends southward to South Africa and Southeast Australia.

Feeds on echinoids, fishes, mollusks, tunicates, crustaceans, algae, polychaete worms, foraminiferans, and detritus. Reproduces by laying eggs.

## Also known as

- **English:** Masked Triggerfish, Masked File Fish, Bridle Triggerfish
- **Arabic:** Himarah al mulajamah, Gargumba, Karkamba
- **French:** Baliste bridé, Baliste masqué, Bourse
- **Spanish:** Calafate Mascarilla
- **Portuguese:** Porco maquilhado
- **Japanese:** メガネハギ, Meganehagi
- **Russian:** Уздечковый суффламен
- **DA:** Maskeaftrækkerfisk
- **TAH:** 'o'iri

## Scientific synonyms

- *Balistes capistratus* Shaw, 1804
- *Balistes fraenatus* Latreille, 1804
- *Balistes mitis* Bennett, 1832
- *Sufflamen capistratus* (Shaw, 1804)
- *Sufflamen fraenatus* (Latreille, 1804)
- *Sufflamen freanatus* (Latreille, 1804)
- *Sufflamen frenatus* (Latreille, 1804)

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/triggerfishes/masked-triggerfish)*
*Updated: August 7, 2026*