Triggerfish are found in seas of tropical and subtropical countries all around the world. They can be considered common and also highly unpredictable.
40 species of triggerfish are scattered throughout the world’s seas and they are often notoriously ill-tempered.
Largest of all is the stone triggerfish (Pseudobalistes naufragium), which reaches up to one meter or 3.3 feet long, found in the Eastern Pacific from Mexico to Chile.
Most species, however, have a maximum length between 20 and 50 centimetres (about 8 and 20 in).
Triggerfish Fun Facts
- Triggerfish can rotate its eyes independently
- They are known to exhibit a level of intelligence that is unusual among fishes, and have the ability to learn from previous experiences.
Feeding
As bottom dwellers, triggerfish hunt out their prey such as crustaceans, by stirring up sand and mud with their fins and blowing water from the mouth.
They also use their strong teeth and powerful jaw on corals and sea urchins.
The havoc created by triggerfish often attracts other fish to tag along to feast on critters that are kicked-up. Much like fish do following big stingrays around.
Some Species Of Triggerfish We Have Encountered
- Picasso Triggerfish
- Starry Triggerfish
- Yellowmargin Triggerfish
- Titan Triggerfish
Watch the Monster Titan Triggerfish in Maldives video
