Buffalo trunkfish (Lactophrys trigonus) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is mainly found over reef, at depths of 2–50 m.
Scientific name: Lactophrys trigonus · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 55 cm
The buffalo trunkfish is an ostraciid that inhabits seagrass beds, coral rubble areas and offshore reefs down to about 50 m. It feeds on a wide variety of small benthic invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans, worms and sessile tunicates, as well as some seagrasses, and it is a highly esteemed food fish. Maximum length is about 55 cm total length, commonly about 30 cm. It is a commercial species, a gamefish and a commercial aquarium fish, with a high price category. Fishing vulnerability is low to moderate at 32 of 100 and resilience high. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Caution: large individuals carry a ciguatera risk. Heat, cold and marinating do not remove the toxin, which concentrates in the liver, roe and head, so avoid eating those parts. Seek medical help if numbness, tingling or a reversed sense of hot and cold follows a meal.
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