Marine Triggerfish

Triggerfish are some of the most unique fish to everCrosshatch triggerfish or the living giant, the Titan
grace our the marine aquarium hobby. They alltriggerfish can go for hundreds of dollars per
possess a very lopsided "Head" to "body" size ratio.specimen. These usually end up in the hands of
Most of the time, their head takes up as much ascollectors.
one-third of their total body size. This is a much lovedThey are all very hardy fish that normally do well in
feature by enthusiasts as it almost looks as though itcaptivity provided they have a large enough
is a "swimming head" as opposed to the regularaquarium. They can range anywhere from a foot to
elongated body structure that most fishes have.a whopping 3 feet (Titan triggerfish). As such, their
They are called the triggerfish because of how theirspace requirements vary accordingly. Generally, an
two dorsal fins along with their bottom fins can erectaquarium no less than 250 gallons should be able to
and lock in place. Such an action secures them whenaccommodate most species of ornamental triggerfish
they are sleeping within the rock or their cave. Oncein the marine aquarium trade.
locked, they are extremely difficult to pry out.All members of the family have impressive jaw
They are found in most of the worlds tropical seasstrength that is used to crush the exoskeleton of a
including the Indo Pacific, Mediterranean Sea and thewide variety of crustaceans and invertebrates. Their
Atlantic ocean. Triggerfish are big, aggressiveprey in the wild includes shrimp, crabs, smaller lobsters
carnivores that are highly territorial. Despite this, theyand sea urchins. In captivity they should be offered
do have a consistent following among marinemeaty items that consist of fish, shrimp and other
aquarium hobbyists.fresh sea foods like scallops.
The most popular species are undoubtedly the ClownBecause of their size and temperament, hobbyists
triggerfish along with the Picasso triggerfish. Of theare careful when it comes to tank mate selection.
two, the Picasso is far more common as well asOnly fish that are just as big or tough enough to
inexpensive. Other highly prized species like thehandle a triggerfish are considered.