Triodontidae

Triodontidae is a monotypic family of ray-finned fishes belonging to the order Tetraodontiformes. The single living species in this family is Triodon macropterus, commonly known as the three-toothed puffer or the big-jawed threetooth. This species is notable for its distinct morphology within the pufferfish order. Its most striking feature is the presence of three large, molar-like teeth fused into a beak-like structure, differing from the typical four fused teeth found in other tetraodontiform families. The body of Triodon macropterus is laterally compressed and typically has a rounded profile, with a large head and a small mouth. It possesses two dorsal fins and two anal fins, with pectoral fins located on the sides. The coloration is generally silvery to yellowish, often with dark spots or blotches. Triodon macropterus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting coral reefs and rocky areas. It is a pelagic species, though it can be observed near the seabed. Its diet is thought to consist of mollusks and crustaceans, utilizing its powerful jaws to crush hard shells. Reproduction details are not extensively documented. The family Triodontidae is considered to be relatively basal within the Tetraodontiformes, and its unique tooth morphology is a key characteristic that distinguishes it from other pufferfish families such as Tetraodontidae and Diodontidae.