Abalistes stellatus (Anonymous 1798) —Starry triggerfish

Status at New Ireland. First recorded from New Ireland as Balistes stellatus by Günther (1910: 437). Specimens observed at Kavieng fish market in 2004–2005 by Jeff Kinch during CFMDP Survey. NTUM material.

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 2.—General distribution: Red Sea, East and South Africa, Madagascar and Mascarenes east to Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia. Solitary on muddy or fine silty sand bottoms, occasionally near reefs, 4–120 m depth. Marine.