Blackbelly Triggerfish caught off of Mactan Island.

Common Name:  Triggerfish

Local Name: Papakol (Tagalog); Pakol (Bisaya)

Max Size:   20 cm

Biodiversity: Marine, Reef-Associated

Depth:  1 – 20 meters

Fishing Season:  All Year Long

Minimum Size Limit:  None

Recommended Bait/Lures:  Shrimp, crabs, other small crustaceans, sand worms

IUCN Red List Status Status:  Least Concern

This small species of triggerfish is often miss identified as Picaso Triggerfish which it closely resembles.  The large dark patch located towards its tail however is the distinguishing feature that separates it from its artistic relative.  These are relatively small and so require small hooks and pieces of bait to catch.  This species along with other small triggerfish species are notorious for picking apart large well presented baits and frustrating angler who are after larger fish.