Triggerfishes

These fishes belong in the "Order Tetraodontiformes" and "Suborder Tetraodontoidei" as members of the "Family Balistidae"(Triggerfishes) which include 12 genera and 37 species.

These fishes are among my favorites, as they are very hardy and beautiful, however, some are quite pugnacious. Like angelfish and surgeonfishes, they have laterally compressed bodies and small mouths, but have strong jaws and chisel-like teeth for crushing hard-shelled prey. Diet consists of small fishes, starfishes, crabs, shrimp, and they are especially fond of urchins. In fact, their eyes are set high up on their body to protect them urchin spines.

They have a unique form of swimming where the anal and dorsal fins are used for most of their movement. However, when bursts of speed are needed, they use rapid movements of the tail.

Their common name comes from their ability to lock and unlock their first dorsal fin. This fin is normally retracted and carried in a groove on the upper body. When frightened, the fish will dart into a crevice or branch of coral and raise this trigger-like fin, securely locking itself into its place of protection.

They sleep on rock ledges, amongst coral branches and/or in caves and crevices. They are quite intelligent and can almost be considered a pet similar to a dog or cat. Should their diet be inadequate, they tend to lose their vivid colors, however, they will normally be paler when resting during nighttime. They should also be housed with small pieces of seashells since they like to bite on them or turn them over in the search of prey. Better these shells than other aquarium decor. It also helps keep their teeth worn-down, which actually could get too long and pointed, and cause them some difficulty in feeding.

Most are better kept with large moray eels, snappers, angelfish, tangs or their own family members. Definitely a fish with a personality!