Family: Other Reef Fish

Triggerfish are frequent and emblematic hosts of the coral reefs. About fifteen species of triggerfish can be encountered in Indonesia.

With its 70cm, the giant of the family is the titan triggerfish Balistoides viridescens, most of the other species being of modest size, less than 35cm.

The titan triggerfish is one of the rare species of aggressive fish. After the laying, the male or the female take turns to guard the nest and do not hesitate to launch preventive attacks on anyone who ventures too close, even up to the surface. It is better to get away as soon as possible as the bite of the triggerfish is very painful because of its ultra-strong teeth built to grind the coral. Miscellany of seriously injured and even scalped people have been reported.

The most iconic of all is the clown triggerfish, Balistoides conspicillum, very recognizable by its black color, its round white spots on the belly and orange-rimmed mouth.

Triggerfish generally taste good, raw or cooked, but are difficult to skin. In Indonesia, because of their beauty, I strongly recommend not to shoot them so that divers and snorkellers can enjoy them.