There is a gigantic and almost infinite variety of fish, a number impossible to calculate. One of the many animals that live in the sea attracts attention due to its design, way of life, and characteristics, the triggerfish.
A triggerfish is known for not being afraid of anything, and when we say nothing, we mean that they don’t even run away from humans who approach them. Let’s find out a little more about them below.
History of the Triggerfish
This species, known commonly as the triggerfish, has the scientific name Balistes carolinensis. It belongs to the Balistidae family, following the lineage of the Tetraodontiformes.
This fish was described in 1789 and has been included in the IUCN list of vulnerable species since 2015. The pigfish, as it has also been called, is found in seas and oceans around the globe. It can be found in meadows and rocky areas, especially in sandy places with a depth of 10 and 100 meters.
It is possible to find a greater abundance of these fish in tropical waters because their morphology requires them to be in high temperatures for better development.
They can also be found in ports, where they prowl around floating objects to obtain food.
Characteristics of the triggerfish
The size of this triggerfish does not exceed 40 cm. As for the texture of its skin, it is leathery, that is, hard and flexible.
The triggerfish has a small mouth with wide lips and 8 strong, sharp teeth. Its eyes are small and located on the top of its head, so when it looks, it seems as if it were looking up.
In addition, it has two lateral fins, the first of which has three spines. It uses these to defend itself from predators (albacore tuna and dolphinfish) and anything it considers offensive.
As for the colors that identify it, gray with a blue and purple tone is the predominant color in these fish. However, what is very interesting about this fish are its spines on its head, which it can use to defend itself when it sees something threatening.
Behavior and coexistence
The triggerfish is calm and solitary. They are known for having a trusting character. According to some divers and fishermen, it has been confirmed that this fish is interested, swims near humans, and approaches objects.
As such, these fish are not that good swimmers. Their dorsal and anal fins are what allow them to swim through undulating impulses. Thus, their movements are slow. However, their caudal fin is what allows them to optimize their swimming to be more agile when they feel threatened.
It usually keeps this fin only when one of its predators attacks, swims as fast as possible, and hides in cracks or holes to survive. It also uses its spiny fin to fight against the adversary or to block the way to its hiding place.
In addition, the triggerfish is very territorial and is therefore considered a solitary fish. It defends its habitat and its offspring and navigates the territory where they are located to attack any species that comes close. It shows aggressive behavior, especially during the mating season.
Feeding the triggerfish
The triggerfish’s varied diet consists of invertebrates, algae, crustaceans, worms, mollusks, echinoderms, crabs, and sea urchins. It is a carnivorous species.
It feeds by digging holes, retaining water in its mouth, and expelling the sand that comes with it to obtain its food.
Triggerfish is a diurnal animal; it usually eats large amounts during the day and rests the whole night. Some days, triggerfish can survive without food.
Reproduction of the triggerfish
Triggerfish breeding season begins at the beginning of summer. The triggerfish makes holes in the sand, the nest where the female lays eggs for the male to care for. During this period, the triggerfish vigorously demonstrates its territoriality and aggressiveness when defending its young.
Once the female has fertilized, she leaves her eggs where the male lives. The male’s goal is to raise them until they are grown. Since they are small and weak, the male triggerfish helps them learn to swim so that they are not hurt by the waves of the sea.
In some species, the eggs’ expulsion and fertilization occur in 2 or 3 days, while in others, it occurs on the same day or even before the end of the season. This is the reason for the high reproduction and overpopulation of these fish.
Habitat and distribution
The triggerfish was discovered in the Mediterranean Sea. It can also be seen in the eastern Atlantic, near Europe, and in Africa. It prefers warm, shallow waters, where it can find an abundance of coral reefs and rocks that serve as shelter and food.
Triggerfish Care
This fish is an excellent choice for keeping in a home aquarium. Its striking colors, such as violet, blue, and green, make it special in a fish tank, thanks to its attractiveness. You must consider some aspects of keeping a triggerfish in an aquarium.
- The aquarium should be about 180 gallons or perhaps more. Decorate it with rocks and plants since it is an animal that likes to be in caves.
- water temperature should be between 24°C and 26°C, and the pH should be between 8.1 and 8.4. Both water quality and lighting are important factors in the development and coloration of any fish in a domestic fish tank.
- In the aquarium environment, there should be some wave or water movement. Shelters or corals should also be placed so that they can hide.
Conservation and Protection
Due to their beauty, triggerfish face habitat degradation and overfishing threats. Awareness of triggerfish is fundamental to providing their survival and the protection of marine biodiversity in the Mediterranean.
Now you know the characteristics of the triggerfish and its way of life. You are prepared to care for these little animals in a home aquarium.