Triggerfish

Triggerfish come from the family Balistidae and have over 30 species. Triggerfish bodies are a compressed oval shape. Fish from the Balistidae family are usually decorated with many beautiful colors line or dot patterns. Triggerfish in the aquarium setting can grow up to 10 inches and can get as large as 3 feet in the wild. Most fish from the Balistidae family are aggressive in the aquarium environment toward other triggers. Most Triggerfish prefer reefs, with a few variations living in the open oceans. Triggerfish have small mouths with razor teeth and bone and shell crushing jaws. Triggerfish can erect the first two dorsal spines the first spine or anterior spine locking in to place the first spine and the second shorter spine being depressed only unlocks the dorsal spines giving Balistidae family of fish the triggerfish name. Triggerfish use this first spine or anterior spine usually to wedge themselves in a hiding place and ward of potential predators. Triggerfish are egg layers with eggs usually being places in holes dug into the sea floor. Triggerfish eggs are sometimes also to be found floating in microalgae known as Sargassum muticum. Triggerfish travel as individuals or pairs and few variations in schools in the wild. Successful aquarium breeding attempts are rare and if attempted should be provided a large aquarium with few tank mates and added as a pair at the same time. Triggerfish in the aquarium should be provided a few hiding places helping them have refuge and curbing their aggression. Fish from the Balistidae family should be added to an aquarium with caution along with future tank mates. Triggerfish can be destructive in the reef as they will attack small fish, corals and shelled inhabitants. Live foods should be avoided to curb Triggerfish aggression as they mature. Provide large aquariums with lots of hiding places along with a diet rich in meaty foods and shell fish.