Description

Also known as Paddlefin Triggerfish, Pinktail Durgon, Pinktail Trigger, Pink-tailed Trigger, Pink-tailed Triggerfish, White-tailed Triggerfish.

Found singly or in small loose schools, over exposed, current swept, seaward reefs, rich in coral growth.
They feed on algae, crustaceans, detritus, fish, octopus, and sponges.
Length - 40cm
Depth - 4-60m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Triggerfish have a hard spine Dorsal Fin that can be locked.
When sleeping this spine is used to wedge them into place in a crevasse and so deter predators from pulling them out of their bed!
The spine is also held erect as a warning to other fish to stay away.
Several large Titans blow shallow depressions in the sand for nesting and if approached will raise this spine as a warning, if ignored they may charge, even divers! especially the Titan Triggerfish who will take a tasty bite!! Beware!!! Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Melichthys-vidua