Balistidae

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Balistidae (triggerfish, filefish; subclass Actinopterygii, order Tetraodontiformes) A large family of marine fish, all of which have rather compressed, deep bodies with a large, stout, first dorsal spine that can be locked into a vertical position when erected. Some species show crypsis, others have brilliant colour patterns. There are at least 120 species, many of which are sometimes considered to belong to an alternative family (Aluteridae or Monacanthidae). They occur in tropical and subtropical waters.

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