#FFF 13: the Black Durgon

If you’ve ever drifted along a coral wall in the Keys or hovered near a patch reef off Fort Lauderdale, chances are you’ve caught a glimpse of a sleek, dark fish darting like a shadow through the blue. Meet the black durgon (Melichthys niger)—a striking member of the triggerfish family that’s as mysterious as it is mesmerizing.

What’s in a Name? “Durgon” Decoded

Let’s start with the name. “Durgon” is a regional term, likely derived from older Caribbean or sailor slang, used to describe certain triggerfish species. While not a scientific classification, it’s stuck around in diver lingo—especially in Florida and the Caribbean. The black durgon, despite its name, isn’t always black. More on that color trickery in a bit.

A Familiar Face on Florida’s Reefs

The black durgon is a common sight on Florida’s coral reefs, particularly in the warmer waters of the Keys and the southeastern coast. These fish prefer outer reef slopes, drop-offs, and areas with strong currents—places where plankton and other tasty morsels are abundant. You’ll often spot them cruising solo or in loose aggregations, hovering mid-water like little stealth bombers.

They’re not shy, but they’re not exactly friendly either. Unlike their more aggressive cousins like the queen triggerfish, black durgons tend to keep their distance from divers. They’re curious, though—watch them long enough and they might circle back for a second look.

What’s on the Menu?

Black durgons are opportunistic omnivores, which is a fancy way of saying they’ll eat just about anything that fits in their mouths. Their diet includes:

Zooplankton – Their primary food source, especially when they’re suspended in the water column.
Algae – They’ll graze on reef surfaces when plankton is scarce.
Small crustaceans and invertebrates – Think shrimp, tiny crabs, and the occasional sea squirt.
Sponges and tunicates – They’ll nibble on these when other food is less available.

Their small, beak-like teeth are perfect for picking at reef surfaces and snapping up drifting plankton. If you’re diving during a strong current, watch them angle their bodies just right to catch the buffet line.

Habitat and Behavior

Black durgons are reef dwellers through and through. They’re most commonly found between 30 and 100 feet deep, though they’ve been spotted as deep as 300 feet. They favor:

Outer reef slopes
Drop-offs and walls
Ledges and overhangs

During the day, they’re active swimmers, often seen patrolling their territory or feeding in the water column. At night, they retreat into crevices or under ledges to sleep, locking themselves in place with their unique dorsal spine—hence the name “triggerfish.” That spine can be “triggered” up or down, allowing them to wedge securely into tight spaces and avoid predators.

Masters of Disguise: Color Shifting Explained

Here’s where things get really cool. Despite being called “black,” the black durgon is anything but monochrome. In fact, they’re masters of camouflage. Depending on the lighting, angle, and their mood, they can appear:

Jet black
Dark blue or green
Iridescent with hints of purple or turquoise

This color-shifting ability is thanks to specialized skin cells called chromatophores, which can expand or contract to reflect different wavelengths of light. It’s not just for show—these changes help them blend into their surroundings, communicate with other fish, or even signal stress.

If you catch one in the right light, you might see a shimmering blue line tracing the edge of its fins—a subtle but stunning detail that makes them a favorite among underwater photographers.

Personality and Social Life

Black durgons are intelligent and observant. They’re not aggressive unless provoked, but they are territorial. During breeding season, males will stake out a patch of reef and defend it vigorously, often performing elaborate displays to attract females.

They’re also known for their quirky swimming style. Unlike most fish that rely on their tails, black durgons use their dorsal and anal fins to glide and maneuver, giving them a graceful, almost bird-like motion in the water.

Where to Spot Them in Florida

If you’re planning a dive trip and want to meet one of these reef ninjas, here are a few hotspots:

Blue Heron Bridge – While not a deep reef, it’s a great place to spot juveniles.
Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale reefs – Especially on drift dives along the third reef line.
Molasses Reef (Key Largo) – A popular site with plenty of mid-water action.
Looe Key (Lower Keys) – Known for its biodiversity and clear water.

Bring a camera, stay neutrally buoyant, and keep your eyes peeled around 40–80 feet. They’re not always front and center, but once you spot one, you’ll start seeing them everywhere.

Why Divers Love the Black Durgon

For scuba divers, the black durgon is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s not as flashy as a parrotfish or as iconic as a sea turtle, but it has a quiet charisma that grows on you. Its sleek profile, curious nature, and ever-changing colors make it a rewarding subject for underwater photography and observation.

Plus, they’re a great reminder of the reef’s complexity. Every fish has a role to play, and the black durgon’s mid-water feeding helps keep plankton populations in check while also serving as prey for larger predators like jacks and barracudas.

Please share this: