Smooth Trunkfish in Cozumel
Smooth Trunkfish (Lactophrys triqueter) in Cozumel: how to identify it, where it is reliably seen, and what it is commonly confused with.
Dark, boxy and covered in a honeycomb of pale spots, with a pursed mouth that gives it a permanently surprised expression. It hovers nose-down over sand, blowing water at the bottom.
Quick ID
| Scientific name | Lactophrys triqueter |
|---|---|
| Group | Camouflaged & Odd-Shaped Fish |
| Typical size | Up to 47 cm, usually 20–30 cm |
| Depth range | 2–50 m |
| When to see it | Year-round |
| Active | Day |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Notes | Skin secretion is toxic — do not handle |
How To Identify It
Dark brown to black with white or yellowish honeycomb spotting, densest on the flanks. Rigid triangular body, and no spines in front of the anal fin.
Where You Will See It In Cozumel
Over sand and rubble adjacent to reef on the shelf sites, usually solitary and usually shallow to mid-depth.
Reliable sites: Paradise Reef, Chankanaab, Yucab, Tormentos, Paso del Cedral.
Behaviour
Feeds by directing a jet of water at the sand to expose small invertebrates, then picking them out. It moves slowly and steadily, and tolerates a close, calm approach better than almost any other reef fish.
Commonly Confused With
- Spotted trunkfish — White with round black spots, and two spines before the anal fin.
- Honeycomb cowfish — Similar pattern but with horns above the eyes.
Diving Etiquette And Safety
Skin secretion is toxic — do not handle. Keep fins off the reef and hands to yourself — nothing here needs to be touched or provoked to be seen well.
Part of the Cozumel marine life guide · see Cozumel dive sites · plan your Cozumel dive trip
Photo courtesy of the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program, used with permission.
Smooth Trunkfish Photos