titan triggerfish; giant triggerfish; moustache triggerfish
A large triggerfish species (Balistoides viridescens) found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters. The name ゴマモンガラ refers to its sesame-seed-like spots and triggerfish body shape.
I saw a large titan triggerfish while diving.
Titan triggerfish are known for their aggressive temperament.
モンガラカワハギ is the general term for triggerfish (family Balistidae), while ゴマモンガラ specifically refers to the titan triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens).
Standard katakana spelling for this fish name.
Kanji spelling is rare and mainly used in taxonomic or specialized contexts; the word is usually written in kana.
The name combines ゴマ (sesame) referring to the dark spots on the body, and モンガラ, a shortened form of モンガラカワハギ (triggerfish). The derivation is descriptive of its appearance.