Description
Also known as Blue Triggerfish, Niger Trigger, Niger Triggerfish, Odonus Niger Trigger, Redfang Triggerfish, Redtooth Triggerfish, Red-toothed Filefish.
Found in large schools, in open waters and current-swept seaward reefs, can often be seen in schools turning and circling just under the sea surface, while feeding on zooplankton brought in by the current. Also found popping in and out of their sleeping holes. Colour varies according to light.
They feed on sponges and zooplankton.
Juveniles found over isolated patches of rubble and sheltering in crevices with proper size holes.
Length - 50cm
Depth - 1-40m
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: http://www.fishbase.org/summary/1311
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